Three SouthVenice residents
have been arrested and nearly a
dozen more are being investigated
in connection with six residential
burglaries in which tens of thou-
sands of dollars worth of property
- including Christmas presents
-was stolen, announced the
Sarasota County Sheriffs Office.
One victim, Debbie Maddox,
had just finished up her Christmas
shopping and went to Texas prior
to the holiday. When she returned
home, she found her home was
ransacked and all the presents

were
missing. It
turns out
her house
was cased.
She re-
membered
the young
neighbor MOORE JOH
she caught
looking into her window before
she left town.
"I came out and asked her
what she was doing? She said she
was my neighbor and wanted to
borrow some butter. I let the Big
BadWolf in," Maddox said. "That
big smile and spider tattoo haunts

N

s me every
night."
Later,
Maddox
would learn
the same
P, woman,
who has not
ISON MEYERS been arrest-
ed, tried the
same ruse on other neighbors, but
they refused entry.
Some folks would have
crumbled under despair. Not the
Maddox's. She and her husband
Kevin shifted into high gear and
started visiting all the pawn shops
in the area. After all, she witnessed

the thieves placing
her belongings into
their vehicles to
make a getaway.
In the end, she
found some of her
belongings, even
though she had
to pay to get them
back
The burglaries
occurred in resi-
dences on Gentian
Road, SouthVenice
Boulevard, Papaya
Road, Lemon Bay

GRINCHESI4

PHOTO COURTESY OF THE SCSO
Jewelry recovered by the Sarasota County Sheriff's
Office during its investigation of six Venice-area
home burglaries in December.

Food brought to areas

where need exists

By SUSAN ERWIN
GUEST WRITER

Sarasota County families
who cannot afford nutritious
food will soon be able to enjoy
fresh, seasonal produce as a
result of a new custom-made
mobile farmer's market
available through All Faiths
Food Bank.
The organization introduced
"Sprout" mobile farm market
at a ribbon-cutting ceremony
on Friday evening at the Venice
Yacht Club.
Laura Coyle, director of mar-
keting at All Faiths Food Bank,
said it is the first of its kind in
the area and is projected to
deliver 64,000 pounds of fresh
produce in 2014 to people in
need throughout the county.
"This product is a result of
two years in the making, and
we are very proud to be able to

Scott Malcom, corporate office execute
Food Bank, holds up a piece of produce
a refrigerated mobile market that is ei
food storage and display shelves. A tas
also be available for clients to taste a d
with the produce selection of the day.

offer this kind service to
those who need it," Coyle
said.
The produce on the
truck will be distributed
through a free voucher
system for clients of All
Faiths Food Bank's net-
work of more than 100
partner pantries, soup
kitchens, churches and
community centers.
Everything within the
unit is going to cost one
dollar (voucher).
"It might be three or
four tomatoes in a bag
or one large squash, but
it will speed up things Mich
having everything the the r
same price," said Scott fresh
Malcom, corporate office
executive for All Faiths
Food Bank. "We want to
be able to move as quickly as
possible from one site to the
next."
The pilot pro-
gram is planned
to begin on Jan.
20. The unit
will stop at six
S different sites.
The locations
were chosen
based on the
amount of vol-
unteers at the
agency, parking
availability and
consumer need.
Locations
include three
housing and
urban devel-
ve for All Faiths opment sites
inside Sprout, in Sarasota,
quipped with St. Nathaniel's
sting table will Church in
dish prepared North Port,
Salvation

PHOTOS BY SUSAN ERWIN
ael Nemser, chair of the Venice Yacht Club Charitable Foundation, facilitates
ibbon-cutting of All Faiths Food Bank's custom-made truck that will deliver
i produce to local families in need. The ceremony took place Friday evening at

Venice Yacht Club.
Army in North Port and
The Community Assistance
Ministry through Trinity
Presbyterian Church in Venice.
"We are going to try the
program for eight weeks and
collect data as we go to see
where our efforts should be
focused after that," Malcom
said. "We wanted to keep our
focus tight initially so as we
expand we will better be able
to define the expectations of
the agencies and broaden our
spectrum."
Michael Nemser, chair of the
Venice Yacht Club Charitable
Foundation, facilitated the
event.
"We wanted the VYC chari-
table foundation to participate
in a program that will make a
meaningful difference in the
community," Nemser said. 'As
a foundation, we are proud to
supply the seed money for this
project."

Director of Community
Investment for Gulf Coast
Community Foundation Jon
Thaxton said the idea became
a priority after learning that
more than 50 percent of the
students in Sarasota County
Schools qualified for free or
reduced lunches.
"The destination of this
truck is curing the hunger
problems that exist in
Sarasota County," Thaxton
said.
Tony Zumbano, com-
modore of the club, asked
the crowd for a moment of
silence to reflect upon the
recent death of David Yarzab.
Yarzab was the general
manager of the yacht club
and died on Jan. 1 in a motor-
cycle accident.
"David was a big supporter
of our foundation and would
have been very proud to be
here today," Zumbano said.

Venice jail

not a dead

idea

By GREG GILES
NEWS EDITOR
Reopening the South County
Holding Facility is worth consid-
ering. That's the general consen-
sus of a jointVenice City Council
and North Port City Commission
discussion that took place this
week
Venice Mayor John Holic raised
the idea, saying perhaps North
Port andVenice might pitch in to
keep it going in some capacity.
The jail, which adjoins the
Venice Police Department facility,
was shuttered as of
Jan. 1 one of a few budget
saving moves by Sarasota County
Sheriff Tom Knight. Knight previ-
ously said arrests in South County
were down and cited the lack of
medical and food services at the
facility, along with the inability to
process juvenile and transgender
offenders.
Knight said the savings
could add up to over $1 million
annually.
But it will add to municipal
expenses, authorities say.
Venice Police Chief Tom
McNulty said there's no doubt his
department will feel an impact
from the closure. He's working on
an estimate of how much it will
cost the city, if anything, to add
staff to redirect detainees to the
Sarasota County Jail.
An early estimate is it could
add another $100,000 to the city
budget in transportation and
other costs.
North Port's police department
is considerably larger and pre-
sumably will add even more to its
budget. Between the two munic-
ipalities, Holic said, the facility
could be re-opened, if only for
high volume days or weekends
when crime is higher.
JAIL 15

Venice biz gets rare, perfect rating by state

By ROGER BUTTON
BUSINEWS COLUMNIST

Venice has one of only 12
food service establishments in
the Sunshine State recognized
during recent inspections by
the Department of Business
and Professional Regulation
for having no safety or sanita-
tion violations within the past
year.
Michael Elden, co-owner of
Bonnell's Boutique & Winery,
101 West Venice Ave., Suite 13,
received a letter from Florida
Gov. Rick Scott commending
him for demonstrating such a
high level of attention to detail
and commitment to excellence.

"I am very happy because
it is pretty difficult not to get
a violation," Elden said. "The
state regulates us twice a year."
Bonnell's, operated by Elden
and co-owner Lisa Terraglia, was
opened on West Miami Avenue
six years ago. lden moved to the
300 block of West Venice Avenue
for four years before occupying
the present location in the 100
Block in 2011.
They have recently acquired
an additional unit but have
made no decision at this stage
as to what they have planned.
In the store, they have a large
selection of wines and beers
that they serve by the glass to
customers who can relax at

the bar. Food items including
cheese and crackers, pate, fruit
plates and homemade items
to complement wines are
available from 10 a.m. to close
at 9 p.m.
Regulating more than one
million Florida businesses
and professionals is the role
of The Division of Hotels and
Restaurants. They work to
protect the health and safety
of the public by providing the
industry with inspections and
regulation.
The Division's main priority
is to ensure that food is stored,
prepared and served safely for
the enjoyment of Floridians
and guests.

Venice Mayor John
Holic made some
headway this week in
seeking support from sur-
rounding municipalities
to rethink how Sheriff's
Office patrols are funded.
At a joint meeting
between the elected
leaders of North Port and
Venice, the North Port
City Commission agreed
to study further the idea
of paying for a portion of
the Sheriffs Office budget
by installing a MSTU, or
Municipal Services Taxing
Unit.
A citizens law enforce-
ment class given through
the Sarasota County
Sheriff's Office had an un-
intended consequence.
Holic was looking at a
map of the 19 districts
patrolled by sheriffs
deputies and realized that
North Port, Venice and
the city of Sarasota didn't
figure into those daily
patrol efforts, he said.
He wondered why the
municipalities were being
taxed but not patrolled.
It was then he won-
dered if it were possible
for the cities, who have

their own police services,
to opt out of paying for
a portion of the Sheriff's
Office budget by creating
a MSTU in unincorpo-
rated parts of the county
where they receive full
patrol services.
With $40 million of
the $100 million sheriff's
budget going toward the
jail and the court system,
Holic said he would like
to address the $60 million
that goes toward law
enforcement efforts like
patrols.
Holic thinks that
Venice and North Port are
responsible for roughly
$20 million of that total
and believes that a MSTU
would help to offset the
monies left out of the cof-
fers by the municipalities,
although Holic admitted
the details haven't been
fully hashed out.
"We don't have a
definable level of service
we should be obtaining
from our county taxes,
yet we all pay identical
millage to the county,"
Holic said.
It was one of a dozen
or so issues discussed
Monday during a joint
meeting between
the North Port City

Commission and
Venice City Council
at the Morgan Family
Community Center,
a meeting that was
skipped byVenice council
members Bob Daniels
and Jeanette Gates.
Gates and Daniels pre-
viously said they wouldn't
attend a meeting with
North Port until the next
election, citing city efforts
to rebuild its relationship
with Sarasota County of-
ficials. Gates said last year
that she had no interest in
meeting with North Port
commissioners because
they often bash county
commissioners.
Yet, the idea of an
MSTU garnered mostly
positive support from
both boards, although
North Port Mayor Jim
Blucher andVenice City
Council member Jim
Bennett expressed doubt.
Blucher warned of a
"balloon effect" on the
SCSO budget, which,
should it decrease by
20 percent, as Holic
suggested, would impact
the county's budget
elsewhere.
'Anytime you lower
it one place, it goes
up somewhere else,"

Blucher added.
Venice councilman
Emilio Carlesimo scoffed
at the idea of the so-
called balloon effect,
saying that Sheriff Tom
Knight's decision to
shutter the South County
Holding Facility had
balloon effects on North
Port andVenice, effects
that both cities have yet
to fully understand.
"(Knight) was acting
in a fiscal manner and I
didn't have any problem
with that. Just like I feel
we're acting in a prudent
fiscal manner," he said of
the possible MSTU. "If it
has a balloon effect, he
has to deal with it."
Holic called residents
of unincorporated
communities like
Nokomis and Laurel the
"real beneficiaries" of
the services provided
by the Sheriff's Office,
and alluded to a sense of
double taxation because
Venice and North Port
residents have chosen to
live in a municipality.
"We're living in city
limits because there are
services in these cities
we're willing to pay for,"
Holic said.
Email: dwindester@sun-heraldxom

J',lI IU '.. I y I /J, -- I "
At Venice Pines Travel
Come and join us and Viking River Cruises
for a Sales Event! Learn more about cruising
the historic rivers in the world from David
Holmwood, Director of Business Development,
Viking Cruises. Don't miss this 2 for ] Sale on
Viking River Cruises.
Show times __
11:00 am
Space is limited
for more information
call Venice Pines Travel
at 941-497-7888

Up to 2-FOR-1 cruise pricing
plus up to 2-FOR-1
roundtrip international air.

A woman who went to
the hospital for treatment
ended up in jail for hitting
a hospital
.security
guard.
According
A 1 to a Venice
Police
SDepartment
report:
SMITH Chari
Smith, 41,
was intoxicated and
causing a disturbance in
the emergency room.
She was transported
by ambulance to Venice
Regional Medical Center
for treatment of a lacera-
tion, but was soon yelling
obscenities at staff. A hos-
pital security guard tried
to keep her in a treatment
room, but Smith allegedly
got up and approached
him, raising her arms in a
threatening manner and
cussing at the officer.
She hit him on his head
with her hands and fists.
He restrained her.
When police arrived,
Smith denied she hit
anyone and said the
security guard and ER
staff "should know how to
handle a drunk that give
them trouble."
Smith, 1100 block
of Bayshore Drive,
Englewood, was placed
under arrest, handcuffed
and transported to
Sarasota County jail for
booking.
She was charged with
battery on an officer,
firefighter or EMT. Bond
was set at $5,000.

Strangulation
charged
AVenice man was
arrested for domestic
battery after strangling
his father.
According to a Venice
Police Department
report:
Gregory Mark Higgins,

I POLICE BEAT
The information for Police Beat is gathered from police, sheriff's office, Florida High way
Patrol, jail and fire records. Not every arrest leads to a conviction. Guilt is determined by the
courtsystem.

59, was arguing with his
89-year-old father when
he grabbed the man by the
throat and
threw him
up against
the laundry
room wall.
The victim
ran out of the
room yelling,
HIGGINS "help."
The
father could not recall the
reason for the defendant's
escalation of violence, but
mentioned they had been
disagreeing over changes
being made to their
residence.
Higgins, 1200 block
of Sleepy Hollow Road,
Venice, was arrested Jan. 4.
There was no bond.

)manenti
W9Jseup!

,Eyebrows! Eyeliner! 'Lips!

Cheryl Doss, R.N. ..
k Yord Pla7, 530 US Hwy 41 Bypass, S, i 24A

941-486-8039
www.LastingMakeup.com

Battery blamed on
hunger
AVenice man was
arrested for domestic
battery after
slapping his
mother and
throwing a
phone at her
while she
was in bed.
According
BURNETT to aVenice
Police
Department report:
Ryan Patrick Burnett, 30,
arrived home intoxicated
at around 2:30 a.m. on
Jan. 4 and began arguing
with his mother because
there was not enough food
to eat.
The two, who live

Actual Client
After Hair-Stroke Brows Ey&eliner

A.

950Oidair Speciat!E
$50 Off Hair-Stroke Eyebrows I

Media Sponsor

GVENdoier SUCE
LOCLNEWSCO ER T OE -FOIA S un.1WE WS R

together, began arguing.
The mother remained in
bed throughout most of
the incident.
At one point Ryan got
into his mother's face.
When she pushed him
away, he allegedly slapped
her. They argued for an-
other half hour until Ryan
threw a cordless phone at
the woman, striking her
in the face. At the time of
the throw, the mother was
still in her bed, and Ryan
was standing at the foot of
the bed, according to the
report.
Ryan, of the 600 block
of Guild Drive, Venice, was
arrested and charged with
domestic battery. Bond
was not available.

The Venice Police Department
reported the following arrest:
-Alton Michael Haynes, 42,1200
block of Pineland Ave, Venice. Charge:
possession of a weapon or ammo by
a convicted Florida felon, and driving

Total Technology
* Video Otoscope examination -
a look inside your ear to
determine if you have ear wax.

Schedule a FREE Hearing Check-up today!

^HearUSA HEARD
Amencat MotTrust Tued Name in Hearing Care. A HearUSA Company

Landings Shopping Center
4858 S.Tamiami Trail Sarasota, FL 34231

Call Toll Free: 941.922.3351

SUN NEWSPAPERS 3A

Bnd

:4A SUN NEWSPAPERS

GRINCHES
FROM PAGE 1
Drive and Pineapple Place
from Oct. 28 to Dec. 12.
More than $62,000 worth
of property was stolen and
one home was ransacked,
according to a Sheriff's
Office press release.
Authorities say the break
in the burglaries came
thanks to a Dec. 14 traffic
stop of a vehicle driven by
James Bradley Moore in
which Tiffany Lee Meyers,
Zachary M. Johnson and
another man were riding,
according to a Sheriff's
Office press statement.
As it happened, that was
the same day Maddox went
to a nearby gas station and
asked the manager if any sil-
ver money or unusual coins
had turned up. She identi-
fied some of the rare coins
as hers and called deputies,
asking the manager to keep
the security video ready for
law enforcement to review
That evening she and
her mother witnessed the
culprits at a nearby party
house, taking Maddox's
belongings from their house

WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 8,22014

and putting them into five
separate cars. Deputies
showed up, and after 20
minutes managed to get
the occupants to come to
the door. They came back
to Maddox with a necklace
one of the women was
wearing.
"I don't understand why
they let them go and did not
make them open the trunk
of the car when we had just
witnessed them putting
our daughter's Christmas
present into the truck. He
stated that he did not have
cause.
'Are you kidding me? Five
minutes after the deputies
leave, we look from front
porch and see eight kids
come running out of the
house. I see them with my
suitcase, my pillow case
swinging in the air with gifts
in it, as they are running.
I'm only 100 feet from them.
We're running at the yard
screaming at them. One has
my Raggedy Ann doll. I see
my husband's shotgun case.
As we get to the driveway,
they drive away, laughing,
flipping us the bird.
"It was like I was watching
a movie. You just can't make
this stuff up," Maddox said.

Moore was arrested on
drug charges that same day,
and items found in the vehi-
cle were identified as stolen
property from the burglary
of Maddox's home.
Two days later, Johnson
went to the Sheriff's
Office to be interviewed.
According to authorities, a
deputy saw a suitcase in the
bed of his truck that had the
name of another burglary
victim on it. Johnson denied
knowing anything about
the suitcase or the stolen
property seized in the traffic
stop.
A search of the truck
revealed more stolen items
in the suitcase and in the
cab of the truck. Johnson
claimed ignorance about
the stolen goods.
In an interview the same
day, Meyers told deputies
that she and Johnson had
taken stolen property from
Moore's residence and
thrown it into a dumpster
behind Frank Theaters in
South Venice. Deputies

learned that Moore had
called Meyers from jail on a
recorded line and instructed
her to get rid of the items,
which included a doll
matching the ones hanging
on Johnson's mirror.
When Meyers was
arrested, she was wearing a
pair of shoes taken in one of
the burglaries. She also had
a key to a storage unit in
her possession. The storage
unit, rented to Moore,
contained even more stolen
property.
Further investigation
disclosed at least two trans-
actions in which Meyers
pawned jewelry and coins,
claiming to be the lawful
owner.
Moore, 25, 2200 block of
Woodmere Road, Venice,
was charged with six counts
of grand theft. He's in jail in
Manatee County accused of
violating probation but will
be transferred to Sarasota
County to face charges
there.
Meyers, 26, 3000 block of

Sunset Beach Drive, Venice,
was charged with two
counts of tampering with
evidence; two counts of
accessory after the fact; two
counts of dealing in stolen
property; and one count of
providing false information
to a pawn broker.
Johnson, 20, 3000 block of
Sunset Beach Drive, Venice,
was charged with two
counts each of tampering
with evidence, accessory
after the fact and grand
theft. He and Meyers are
both out on bond.
Since the crimes,
Maddox has purchased a
gun. She says she wants
to feel safe about going
outside in her neighbor-
hood again. She is a local
resident with a large family
in the area, who knows
some of the parents of the
youth involved. She's even
received Facebook threats,
which law enforcement are
looking into.
Maddox says she's not
going anywhere. Some of

the neighbors are support-
ing her.
"They're all tired of what's
going on around here,"
Maddox said.
The neighbors have
already pressured one
of the Grinches to move
elsewhere.
In the meantime, the
Maddox's are still visiting
local pawn shops, hoping
to find the stolen wedding
rings that belonged to their
parents and her deceased
brother.
Detectives are still investi-
gating these crimes. Anyone
with information regarding
them should call Criminal
Investigations at 941-861-
1719 or, to be eligible for up
to a $1,000 reward, Crime
Stoppers at 941-366-8477.
Or visit:
SarasotaCrimeStoppers.
com.

Portions of this report are
from a Sheriffs Office press
release.
Email: ggiles@venimaondoliercom

William P. Sullivan, who
was reported missing
from his Mission Valley
home on Sunday, Jan. 5,
was located
Tuesday in
Miami.
According
to a Sarasota
County
Sheriff's
Office press
SULLIVAN statement,
the Nokomis
resident was at a South
Florida hospital Tuesday
evening being evaluated,
awaiting the arrival of
family members to take
him home. No other in-
formation about locating
him was provided.
Sullivan, 83, left his
home at about 2:30 p.m.
Sunday to go shopping

and didn't return. A Silver
Alert was issued Sunday
evening to solicit the
public's assistance in
finding him.
At the time he was
wearing a blue sweater,
khaki pants and white
shoes and was driving a
2005 red, four-door Buick
Lacrosse, with Florida
plate I614JE. The alert
said that Sullivan has
medical issues.
On Monday afternoon,
Sheriff's Office spokes-
person Wendy Rose said
the office was tracking
Sullivan's most recent
activity and notifying
other agencies around
the area where he was last
known to be.
Information about the
search was viewed more
than 6,000 times on the
Gondolier Sun's Facebook
page.

JAIL
FROM PAGE 1
"The holding cell is no
longer being manned by
the county," Holic said.
"That puts a strain on
Venice and North Port to
go all the way to Sarasota.
I hope you pack a bag.
It's almost a vacation for
somebody" to travel that

far, he quipped.
"I would like to see us
come up with a way to
use an existing facility so
that two municipality's
(patrols) don't have to
make that long haul in the
middle of the night," Holic
said.
"How can we make it
economically viable to
use it for what it's de-
signed for not at their
convenience but at our

convenience," Holic said.
Commissioner Rhonda
DiFranco, retired law
enforcement, agreed it's
worth consideration.
"It does put our officers
at risk," she said, noting
an officer transporting
a detainee is one less
patrolling the streets of
North Port and assisting
other officers.
"You do have to have
certified officers to staff

SUN NEWSPAPERS 5A

that up. You can't just have
baby sitters. I would want
us to work together (on
that)," DeFranco said.
North Port Mayor Jim
Blucher directed the city
manager from North Port
to work with his counter-
part in Venice on a plan.
"Let those guys ham-
mer it out to see if there is
something to do," he said.
Email: ggiles@venkegondolierxom

Grad rate, dropout rate both down

By ANNE KLOCKENKEMPER
STAFF WRITER
The Sarasota County
School District dropout
rate for 2012-13 improved
compared to the previous
year, but the graduation
rate decreased slightly,
according to the Florida
Department of Education
figures released recently.
Graduation rates are
calculated by comparing
the number of students
who start in a public high
school as freshmen to

the number of students
in the same class who
graduate four years
later. The dropout rate
indicates the number of
students who drop out in
a single year.
According to Sarasota
County school spokesman
Scott Ferguson, federal
regulations require each
state to calculate a grad-
uation rate that includes
standard diplomas but
excludes both regular and
adult General Educational
Development certificates,

and special diplomas
awarded to some students
with disabilities who don't
meet the requirements for
standard diplomas.
The 2012-13 graduation
rate for Sarasota County
high schools is 76.2 per-
cent, which is higher
than the state graduation
rate of 75.6 percent but
down from its 2011-12
graduation rate of 78 per-
cent. Sarasota County's
graduation rate has been
consistently higher than
the state percentage since

2003-04.
Sarasota Schools
Superintendent Lori
White said that she
was pleased Sarasota
County's dropout rate
for the 2012-13 school
year was 1.5 percent, an
improvement from the
2011-12 dropout rate of
2.2 percent. Venice High's
graduation rate also
went down slightly, from
74.8 percent to 73.9. The
VHS dropout rate im-
proved from 2.1 percent
to 1.2 percent.

Free Admission
Located on Sullivan Street in Punta Gorda, FL.
Take 1-75 to Exit 164 at US-17. Head west on US-17
and go approximately one mile to Sullivan Street.
For more information call
R1 3-Qi2-03fRR nr 61-74fi-661 5

OA 'A -
www.rt~etiva~co

IS &SATE AX

*Inluig Sateale a0Adt

If you are concerned about a Tax Audit or the possibility
of a Tax Audit, call Andrew Penzell, CPA.
- 8 yrs IRS Agent
i 30 yrs Practicing CPA
S 30 yrs Representing Clients
with IRS & State Sales
I or other Tax Problems

Orth/Neu

Join Venice Regional Medical Center for our Ortho-Neuro
Connection Seminar Series. Our orthopedic surgeons will
provide the tools to help you achieve a more healthy and
active lifestyle.

Visit VeniceRegional.com for more information.
SProud to be part of the Bayfront Health network.
11 VENICE REGIONAL
MEDICAL CENTER a runt0 Health
SThe best healthcare under the sun.
Member of the medical staff

Every year, more than
700 people die from
ladder accidents. The
major cause is carrying
something while trying to
climb the ladder.
A local inventor has
built and is selling a prod-
uct that could prevent
many of those falls,
stopping many fatalities.
"Everyone needs a
Buddy Bucket when they
are painting" is the slogan
of inventor Dan Dattilo of
Nokomis.
The two-piece buddy
bucket is a paint bucket
that fits into a holder that
can be attached to the
painter's waist belt or held
by hand.
Designed with input
from engineers and
tradespeople, it is ergo-
nomically styled for the
user's maximum accessi-
bility, comfort and suit-
ability. There are fittings
in the holder for the user
to insert screwdrivers,
painter's scraper, and
hooks to attach cleaning
cloths. The handle of

the bucket is shaped to
provide a comfortable and
muscle relaxing grip.
The idea came to
Dattilo, who has a
background in the
construction industry and
operated his own business
remodeling kitchens,
baths and roofing of com-
mercial and residential
properties.
"I was on a ladder
painting a ceiling when
the homeowner, a lady,
called me down," Dattilo
said. "We discussed the
painting job; then I decid-
ed to move the ladder,
forgetting the gallon of
paint on the top which
fell, splattered over her
and the kitchen floor.
Frantically, I cleaned-up
the fast-drying paint
on the floor while she
watched, laughing at my
misfortune."
The incident prompted
him to decide there had
to be a better way of
managing paint cans.
Considering the existing
holster holders available
at hardware stores, he
found they too were
unstable when attached to

the painter's belt.
He ignored his idea
because he was fulfilling
major commercial reno-
vation contracts traveling
around New Hampshire,
until 2001 when he was
involved in a really bad
accident. A young student
fell asleep while driving
and hit Dattilo head-on,
causing very serious
injuries.
It was a long recovery
with no likelihood of
returning to his job and
business, eventually to
leave him with permanent
neck and back injuries.
Unable to work, with a lot
of free time, he recalled
the incident of the falling
paint can.
Research indicated
all the existing buckets
dripped paint, a problem
he resolved to overcome
with a new design.
Experimenting with
paper and card buckets
fitting into various holder
designs proved successful.
Designing a non-drip
bucket fitting into a holder
with a belt attachment, he
consulted with engineers
and painters.

The next move was
patents, and to save great
expense, he wrote his
own, a difficult process
because they have to be
shown to be different from
all other existing patents.
On average, only 3 percent
of patents awarded are
actually commercialized.
Some two years later,
he chose a Chinese
manufacturer to produce
the Buddy Bucket system.
The plastic non-drip
bucket fits into a holder
that is attached securely
and upright to the
pants belt worn by most
painters, amateur and
professional.
The most expensive
part is the bucket, which
had to be made in two
parts with the edge at
an angle for the paint to
drip back into the bucket.
Incorporated in the
bucket is a strong magnet
to grip the brush, holding
it at an angle so the paint
drips back into bucket.
Fittings in the holder
provide for accessories,
screwdrivers, an all-pur-
pose tool and hooks for
rag holders.

PHOTO BY ROGER BUTTON
Inventor Dan Dattilo of Nokomis displays the specially designed
Buddy holder with tools and cloth accessories and the Buddy

Bucket.
Prototypes have been
tested by several users,
and a week ago, Dattilo
received his first 1,200
Buddy Buckets. Priced
for retail at $24.95, he
plans to visit all the
local paint stores ini-
tially. Having lined up
financing should he get
a million dollar order,
he will in due course ap-
proach major hardware
supermarkets.
"Overall, it has already
cost me more than
$100,000 even though I

have done much of the
work, and that cost does
not include the product
manufacture," he said.
"The Buddy System
tooling in the U.S. would
have been $40,000 so I
had to take it to China
where it cost $4,000."
Dattilo's company is
Big Boy Industries, and
he welcomes business
inquiries by mail to 1532
U.S. 41 Bypass S., #252 or
to his website:
EveryoneNeedsaBuddy.
com.

They do it all: errands, research, pet sitting, more

By ROGER BUTTON

Wendy Kreiss-Parkin
and Howard Parkin will
do and take care of any-
thing as long as it is legal,
moral and ethical in their
new business, When and
How Concierge Services
of South Venice.
They provide errand
services just give
them your to-do or
shopping list. As your
lifestyle managers, they
research by computer
large purchases or places
for a vacation, make
reservations and more.
For weddings, significant
anniversaries and life
celebrations, they will
be your event planner,
transporter and caterer.
They will assist with ve-
hicle management, home
remodeling, pet-sitting
and home watch for
absentees.
From Bridgewater,
N.J., Wendy graduated
from the University of
Michigan with a Bachelor
of Science degree from
the School of Natural
Resources, then went
into financial services. In
New Jersey, she became
an integrated massage
therapist working in all

specialties for six years,
then moved to Venice.
Hanging out at the
beach, she decided to
start a business and
chose their first names
Wendy for "When" and
Howard for "How,"
then added "Concierge
Services." They re-
searched then joined
a national concierge
organization. The office
hours are 9 a.m. to 5
p.m., seven days a week.
Call 941-525-2947.

Lifetime award
In recognition of her
long, successful career
and the contributions
she has made and con-
tinues to make to the real
estate profession, Maia
Morrison received the
Lifetime Achievement
Award from the Venice
Area Board of Realtors.
A broker-associate
with RE/MAX Platinum
Realty Venice at 307 W
Venice Ave., she joined
the Venice Area Board of
Realtors in 1976, became
president in 1987 and
is currently treasurer. A
longtime Venice resident,
Morrison owned her
own real estate company

One-of-a-kind art
Loving the ocean
because it inspires her
most to create all her
art, Lorene Hill opened
Oceanmuse at 312 Laurel
Road in Laurel Square
next to the old Laurel Post
Office. A photographer,
she has unique, one-
of-a-kind photography,
pottery, weaving, spin-
ning and knitting.
The art features a wide
range of beach, surfing,
underwater, sunset, light-
house and Asian photog-
raphy. She makes pottery
coffee cups, bowls, plates
and Japanese good-luck
keepsakes and shisa

dog sets, and spins wool
shawls, purses and hats.
She repurposes furniture,
such as a door redesigned
to be a headboard and
picture frames from
windows.
"It is an eclectic store,
having a little bit of every-
thing," said Hill, a native
of Maine who spent 13
years in the military as
an Air Force survival
instructor, eight of those
on the tropical island of
Okinawa.
Retiring to North
Port, she has spent five
years selling her art to
galleries and at farmers
markets until deciding
to open this store, open
from 10 a.m. to 4:30
p.m. weekdays and
Saturday mornings. Call
941-441-5822.

Help to lose
weight
If an eight-week,
straightforward exercise
camp offering helpful
instruction in a no-pres-
sure environment would
benefit you, contact
Dorian Mattox, Venice
Community Center pro-
gram coordinator. She is
staging a Beginner Boot

Camp at the Community
Center, 326 S. Nokomis
Ave., on Tuesdays and
Thursday from
10:30 a.m. to 11.30 a.m. in
Venice.
Instructor J.D. Doyle
works closely with each
camper designing exercis-
es, helping attendees lose
weight and inches in just
eight weeks, said Mattox.
Call 941-861-5000.

Community
mourns
Businesspeople are
such an asset to our
community, and a week
ago we lost such an
entrepreneur. At 52,
David Yarzab, general
manager of Venice Yacht
Club and a member of
Venice-Nokomis Rotary
Club, died as a result of a
traffic accident.
While enjoying his
hobby of motorcycling,
he was seriously injured
in Nokomis when a
vehicle pulled in front of
him. He died shortly after
at Sarasota Memorial
Hospital.
Yarzab's career epit-
omized the American
dream. In 26 years, he
obtained promotion from

maintenance to become
general manager. He
will be remembered for
unselfish commitment
to help any and all who
called upon his services
in this community. A cele-
bration of life takes place
this Sunday at 11 a.m. at
the Venice Yacht Club.

Certification award
Michael Long, senior
vice president of Merrill
Lynch's office at 871
Venetia Bay Blvd., recent-
ly earned the Certified
Private Wealth Advisor
certification. It's an award
for those who are trained
to work with high net
worth clients during their
wealth life cycle: accumu-
lation, preservation and
distribution. A resident of
Nokomis, he joined the
company in 1978. Call
941-486-3903.

Editor's Note: Service
and product information
in this column should not
be taken as an endorse-
ment of the business.
Send your news of a
news business opening, an
expansion, a relocation or
other significant event to
rogerbutton@verizon. net.

Big family fun event to last three days

By ROGER BUTTON
BUSINEWS COLUMNIST

It is going to be a
Family Fun Weekend
at the Venice Airport
Festival Grounds at the
South Circus Bridge when
Rotarians stage their 22nd
Festival of Arts & Crafts
with entertainment,
boats, cars and much
more.
This year, there is an
early start with the new
"RockWith Rotary" on
Friday evening, Jan. 17
from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m.
It is an evening of rock-
ing, rolling, eating and
drinking as the Gas House
Gorillas Band entertains.
The show begins at 7 p.m.
as this hot-and-heavy
five-piece band goes into
action.
The band includes
Renee Adorna, vocalist,
with her husband Tommy,
drummer/vocals; Michael
Cochran, lead singer/
guitar/ keyboards; Mike
Opeka, lead guitar/
vocals and Cuinn Griffin,
bass guitar/keyboards/

background vocals.They
are guaranteeing a great
party and admission is
only $10 advance and $15
on the night.
The Art & Crafts
Festival opens at 9 a.m.
on Saturday, Jan. 18 and
continues until 4 p.m.
Sunday Jan. 19 with so
much to see and enjoy for
all ages. For the younger
visitors, there is the new
children's fun playground,
launched last year and
proved a great success.
Climbing the rock wall,
water walking, bungee
jumping and having fun
in the bounce house are
favorites.
A visit to the Children's
Art tent will enlighten
all ages with the fine
design techniques of the
younger members of our
community.
The 2014 Duck Pluck
is for all the family.
Everyone purchasing
ducks has the opportuni-
ty to win a five- or six-day
cruise for two, all expens-
es paid, plus additional
prizes every hour. There

is even a children's duck
pluck where youngsters
can pluck a duck for a
buck from the children's
pool and win a prize
every time.
You may see the
Venice High School
Rotary Interact teenagers
assisting. All proceeds
from this contest go to
benefit the Rotary Futures
program, which helps
students of all ages find
scholarships available
around the country.
Fine art purveyors
will display to sell their
beautiful designs and
creations; look for your
favorite jewelry from
crafters and many other
intriguing items at the
plentiful booths.
As usual, the Venice
Nokomis Rotarian chefs
will be cooking delicious
succulent hot dogs,
hamburgers and more to
enjoy throughout your
day visit. Relax with a
beer, soda, water or ice
cream.
Members of the Venice
Region of the Antique

Automobile Club of
America will attend
on Saturday, bringing
antique vehicles from the
early 1900s to classics,
custom cars and hot rods
of modern time.
On Sunday, the
Suncoast British Car Club
will display cars from
the 1930s to the present
day, including famous
British marques such as
AC, Austin, Austin-Healey,
Bentley, DeLorean,
Land Rover, Lotus, MG,
Morgan, Jaguar, Mini-
Cooper, Morris, Sunbeam,
Rolls Royce, and Triumph.
MarineMax associates
will show their latest
boats, and you can take
an onboard tour at the
show to get the feel of
the quality in design and
availability for next day
delivery.
Entertainment intro-
duced a few years ago has
proven such a favorite
with visitors that the
Rotarians again this year
have an excellent line-up
of local and national
talent. Returning again

PHOTO PROVIDED

Gas House Gorillas will be Rocking with Rotary in a special
family show at the Festival Grounds.

is Rotarian Ken McBride,
an international enter-
tainer originally from the
emerald isle.
He'll be hitting the high
notes with all the popular
favorites, including his
Irish heritage specials and
fun comments through-
out. In addition, watch
and listen to The Shames,
The Rockadiles, The Little
Notes and more.
So little time to see and
enjoy so much; please
come early and stay late,
because it is the finest
value you will get and

enjoy for just $2. Children
under 12 are free and
don't worry about bring-
ing the car or vehicles
because all the parking is
free.
The Venice Rotary
Club stages this three-
day festival to ensure
they continue providing
to local organizations,
including the Boy Scouts
who manage the parking,
Big Brothers Big Sisters,
Laurel Civic Association,
SPARCC, Venice Theater,
Venice Symphony and
more.

WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 8,2014

Beach Life Wellness offers ways to get fit

By ROGER BUTTON
BUSINEWS COLUMNIST
Sample the delights
enjoyed by celebrity
families who vacationed
at the famed Gasparilla
Inn on Boca Grande.
Enjoy organized exercising
on Nokomis beach with
professional wellness spe-
cialists from the high-end
Inn Spa who have brought
their talents to Nokomis.
Lana and her husband
Lucho De Vettori have
opened Beach Life
Wellness at 301 Albee
Road West next to the
European Academy of
Early Education. Following
12 years at the Boca
Grande facility where their
clients included the Bush
presidential and DuPont
families, who became
friends working out in the
Inn Spa.
A free introductory
nutrition workshop and
orientation for the Beach
Life 8-Week Challenge
program starts at 11 a.m.
Saturday, Jan. 11. In this
program, clients will build
muscle strength and burn
twice the calories in half
the time.
In the new facility, she
has assembled a specialist
team that operate four
treatment rooms. Licensed
Esthetician Karen Kogler
is the skincare specialist
offering a full menu of
facials, chemical peels,
anti-aging and acne
treatments. Using the
Skinmaster cutting-edge
technology, she removes
mini-wrinkles and rejuve-
nates skin.
Acupuncturist Dr.
Hernando Ortiz, for 30
years a medical doctor and
surgeon in western and
eastern medicine from
Colombia, South America,
he formerly worked at
Warm Mineral Springs.
Both owners provide a
full menu of massage ser-
vices for men and women

HHUIUb HISUVIULU

Massage therapist and owner of Beach Life Wellness in
Nokomis, Lana De Vettori, is pictured with President George W.
Bush during his visit to the Spa at the Gasparilla Inn on Boca

Grande.
of all ages. A popular
item is the large couples
massage room where both
client partners are treated
at the same time.
Lucho De Vettori
manages a series of fitness
programs, which include
personal and group train-
ing, fitness classes and nu-
tritional coaching, weight
management, functional
and performance train-
ing. In the outside open
studio, the DeVettori's
offer yoga, Zumba and a
series of senior wellness
workouts.
Saturday Beach Power-
Walks are a new specialty
training program at
Nokomis Public beach.
Participants cover a
two-mile circular course
doing a variety of cardio

exercises, integrating
walking at varying speeds,
lunges, squats and power
resistant bands.
"If you can walk, you
can do it," she said. "There
are plans to include a bike
riding program, too."
For details of all pro-
grams, contact Lana De
Vettori at 941-244-2006.
From Auburn,
N.Y., she attended
Community College
studying psychology
before coming to Port
Charlotte in 1998.
Following six months at
the Sarasota School of
Massage Therapy and
Bodywork, she worked
for some time at a
local therapy spa before
starting a 12-year stint
at the Gasparilla Inn.

Preparing for the Nokomis Beach Power Walks and exercise program are Chloe De Vettori; Fran-
cesca De Vettori; Lana De Vettori, co-owner of Beach Life Wellness; Karen Kogler; Lou Ann Myers;
Alan Lumpkin; Mary Mead; and Isabella De Vettori. At the front is Lucho De Vettori, physical
fitness specialist and co-owner.

NOTICE OF AUCTION
NOTICE IS HERBY GIVEN THAT SS
OSPREY, LLC D/B/A SIMPLY SELF STOR-
AGE LOCATED AT 660 SOUTH TAMIAMI
TRAIL, OSPREY, FL 34229 INTENDS TO
SELL OR OTHERWISE DISPOSE OF THE
PERSONAL PROPERTY DESCRIBED
BELOW TO ENFORCE A LIEN IMPOSED
ON SAID PROPERTY UNDER THE FLORI-
DA SELF DISPOSITION OF THE FOLLOW-
ING PROPERTY WILL TAKE PLACE
(UNLESS OTHERWISE WITHDRAWN) VIA
AN ON-LINE AUCTION AT
WWW.STORAGEBATTLES.COM ON
1/13/14 BEGINNING AT APPROXIMATELY
1:00 P.M. AND CONCLUDING ON
1/23/14 AT APPROXIMATELY 1:00 P.M.
THIS PUBLIC SALE WILL RESULT IN THE
GOODS BEING SOLD TO THE HIGHEST
BIDDER. CERTAIN TERMS AND CONDI-
TIONS APPLY:
3105 Donald Croce (misc)
Publish: Jan. 1, 8, 2014
361847 2983377

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT FOR CHAR-
LOTTE COUNTY, FLORIDA
PROBATE DIVISION
IN RE: ESTATE OF
PETER P. KYVIAKIDIS,
Deceased.
File No. 13-1852-CP
NOTICE TO CREDITORS
The administration of the estate of
Peter P. Kyviakidis deceased, whose
date of death was September 4th,
2013, is pending in the Circuit Court for
Charlotte County, Florida, Probate Divi-
sion, the address of which is 350 E.
Marion Avenue, Punta Gorda, FL
33950. The names and address of the
personal representative and the personal
representative's attorney are set forth
below.
All creditors of the decedent and other
persons having claims or demands
against decedent's estate on whom a
copy of this notice is required to be
served must file their claims with this
court ON OR BEFORE THE LATER OF
3 MONTHS AFTER THE TIME OF THE
FIRST PUBLICATION OF THIS NOTICE
OR 30 DAYS AFTER THE DATE OF
SERVICE OF A COPY OF THIS NOTICE
ON THEM.
All other creditors of the decedent and
other persons having claims or demands
against decedent's estate must file their
claims with this court WITHIN 3
MONTHS AFTER THE DATE OF THE
FIRST PUBLICATION OF THIS
NOTICE.
ALL CLAIMS NOT FILED WITHIN
THE TIME PERIODS SET FORTH IN
SECTION 733.702 OF THE FLORIDA
PROBATE CODE WILL BE FOREVER
BARRED.
NOTWITHSTANDING THE TIME
PERIODS SET FORTH ABOVE, ANY
CLAIM FILED TWO (2) YEARS OR
MORE AFTER THE DECEDENT'S DATE
OF DEATH IS BARRED.
The date of first publication of this
Notice is January 1, 2014.
Personal Representative:
Peter A. Kyviakidis
20A Edgewood Dr.
Port Washington, NY 11050
Attorney for
Personal Representative:
W. Kevin Russell, Esq.
W. KEVIN RUSSELL, P.A.
14295 S TAMIAMI TRAIL
NORTH PORT, FL 34287
Florida Bar No. 398462
PUBLISH: Jan. 1, 8, 2014
276090 2983375

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT FOR
SARASOTA COUNTY,
FLORIDA
IN RE: ESTATE OF
SUZANNE HAGUE SEWALL
A/K/A SUZANNE H. SEWALL
Deceased.
File No.
2013-CP-4588-NC
NOTICE TO CREDITORS
The administration of the estate of
Suzanne Hague Sewall a/k/a
Suzanne H. Sewall, deceased, whose
date of death was November 7th,
2013, is pending in the Circuit Court for
Sarasota County, Florida, Probate Divi-
sion, the address of which is P.O. Box
3079, Sarasota, FL 34230.
The names and addresses of the per-
sonal representatives and the personal
representative's attorney are set forth
below.
All creditors of the decedent and
other persons having claims or demands
against decedent's estate on whom a
copy of this notice is required to be
served must file their claims with this
court ON OR BEFORE THE LATER OF
3 MONTHS AFTER THE TIME OF THE
FIRST PUBLICATION OF THIS NOTICE
OR 30 DAYS AFTER THE DATE OF
SERVICE OF A COPY OF THIS NOTICE
ON THEM.
All other creditors of the decedent
and other persons having claims or
demands against decedent's estate must
file their claims with this court WITHIN 3
MONTHS AFTER THE DATE OF THE
FIRST PUBLICATION OF THIS
NOTICE.
ALL CLAIMS NOT FILED WITHIN
THE TIME PERIODS SET FORTH IN
SECTION 733.702 OF THE FLORIDA
PROBATE CODE WILL BE FOREVER
BARRED.
NOTWITHSTANDING THE TIME
PERIOD SET FORTH ABOVE, ANY
CLAIM FILED TWO (2) YEARS OR
MORE AFTER THE DECEDENT'S DATE
OF DEATH IS BARRED.
The date of first publication of this
notice is January 8, 2014.
Personal Representative:
William H. Klaver
c/o 240 Nokomis Avenue South,
Suite 200
Venice, FL 34285
Attorneys for Personal
Representative:
CLIFTON F. WHITE
ISPHORDING BECHTOLD ET AL,
ATTORNEYS AND COUNSELORS AT
LAW, P.A.
240 Nokomis Avenue South
Suite 200
Venice, FL 34285
Florida Bar No. 0281220
PUBLISH: Jan. 8, 15, 2014
223931 2985767

RACHEL O'NEAL, JOHN DOE,
Defendants.
NOTICE OF
FORECLOSURE SALE
NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN pursuant to
a Summary Final Judgment of Foreclo-
sure filed June 12, 2009 entered in Civil
Case No. 2008 CA 018184 NC of the Cir-
cuit Court of the TWELFTH Judicial Circuit
in and for Sarasota County, Sarasota,
Florida, wherein BAC HOME LOANS SER-
VICING, L.P. F/K/A COUNTRYWIDE HOME
LOANS SERVICING, L.P. is Plaintiff and
DIANA NGUYEN, HOANG NGUYEN,
HOANG K NGUYEN, DIANA P NGUYEN,
UNKNOWN SPOUSE OF DIANA P. NGUYEN,
UNKNOWN SPOUSE OF HOANG K.
NGUYEN IF ANY, MORTGAGE ELECTRON-
IC REGISTRATION SYSTEMS, INC., AS
NOMINEE FOR AMERICA'S WHOLESALE
LENDER, JANE DOE N/K/A RACHEL
O'NEAL, JOHN DOE, are Defendants, the
Clerk of Court will sell to the highest and
best bidder for cash electronically at
www.sarasota.realfore close.com in
accordance with Chapter 45 Florida
Statutes on the 13 day of January, 2014
at 09:00 AM on the following described
property as set forth in said Summary
Final Judgment, to-wit:
Lot 13, Block 1743, Thirty-Fourth
Addition to Port Charlotte Subdivi-
sion, a Subdivision according to the
Plat thereof, as recorded In Plat Book
15, Page 18, 18-A through 18-M, of
the Public Records of Sarasota Coun-
ty, Florida.
Any person claiming an interest in the
surplus from the sale, if any, other than
the property owner as of the date of the
lis Dendens. must file a claim within 60
days after the sale.
Dated this 27 day of December, 2013.
Attorney for Plaintiff:
Michael Solloa, Esq.
McCalla Raymer, LLC
225 E. Robinson St. Suite 660
Orlando, FL 32801
Phone: (407) 674-1850
Fax: (321) 248-0420
Email: MRService@mccallaraymer.com
Fla. Bar No.: 37854
If you are a person with a disability
who needs any accommodation in
order to participate in this proceed-
ing, you are entitled, at no cost to
you, to the provision of certain assis-
tance. Please contact Sarasota
County Jury Office, P.O. Box 3079,
Sarasota, Florida, 34230-3079. Tele-
phone: (941) 861-7400. If you are
hearing or voice impaired, call 711.
Publish: Jan. 1, 8, 2014
338038 2983408

Relations got snippy last year
when North Port city commissioners
proposed holding a joint meeting
with Venice city council members to
discuss issues of mutual interest.
A routine request escalated into a
political standoff.
At first, the offer was rebuffed by
the Venetians, some of whom said
they were afraid of being dragged
into a "Bash Sarasota County" match
by their counterparts in North Port.
They considered the North Porters
anti-business and antagonistic to the
county. They wanted more distance,
not less.
The meeting was scheduled,
though, and the two boards finally sat
down together Monday afternoon at
a big conference room at the Morgan

Family Community Center in North
Port. There was a sizable crowd of
citizens for a Monday afternoon.
Four city police officers manned the
event, which seemed an over-the-top
precaution.
No fireworks, though. Never a
discouraging word, in fact.
The two boards managed to sit down
and discuss a broad variety of issues
cordially. They tended to agree on a
number of things, some of which were
lightweight issues and others that
could have significant consequences.
And they did open what seemed to
be a friendly line of communication,
which is always positive.
Most of the specifics involved the
standard fare for these types of meet-
ings. The two boards suggested ways

they may work together to improve
water quality and ways to cross-pro-
mote each city's events and festivals.
There was a presentation on pro-
posed bicycle recreation trails between
the two cities and discussion of Wi-Fi
capabilities. The need for a covered
swimming pool was discussed.
Most of those issues, put on the
agenda at the urging of North Port
Commissioner Cheryl Cook, were
punted to staff for further consid-
eration. Typical for these meetings:
Decision-makers agree to investigate
and staff ends up with more work.
Who knows? Something may come of
it.
But two matters brought by Venice
officials had real heft. Both boards
agreed to study the possibility of

establishing a municipal services
taxing unit for the county Sheriff's
Office, something that could lead to
lower tax rates for city residents. The
idea, championed byVenice Mayor
John Holic, could gain more traction
with the support of both boards.
They also agreed to look into how
they might reopen the prisoner hold-
ing facility in Venice that was recently
closed by the Sheriff's Office.
In the end, this seemed a productive
meeting, despite the fact that Venice
City Council Members Jeanette Gates
and Bob Daniels had chosen not to
attend. The tone was upbeat. No gratu-
itous county-bashing occurred. The
only "alliances" formed seemed to be
healthy ones.
All positive.

Dental emergency

leads to frantic calls

One can only guess what
this year marked as 2014 will
bring the world, our country
and our community over the
next year. I am sure we all have
a list of things we would enjoy
experiencing become reality.
Ironically, my buddy Ethan in
Venice has already seen some
unfortunate luck as he lost the
motor off his boat he received
as a Christmas present over the
weekend.
Certainly, this is not what
he had hoped the New Year
would bring. Couple that with
his precious Chicago Bears not
playing in 2014 and this poor
guy has not started out 2014
well. There is hope as he is an
industrious one and has start-
ed his very own motor fund.
Knowing this kid, he will be
back on the water soon as he
has the heart of a lion and the
determination of Ferris Bueller.
In fact, he just could be a
Bueller.
My luck was not much better
as Monday I had a major dental
emergency, which in the scheme
of things does not feel all that
bad unless you are freakishly
weird about dentists. I have a
dentist in Tampa who after years
coerced me into letting him do
dental work on me.
He is the only person al-
lowed to work on my teeth and
I have to tell you that after 15
years, I finally agreed to recog-
nize him on all the paperwork
as my dentist. I don't like the
whole dentistry thing.
Anyway, this emergency
occurred at 12:30 p.m. I had
a major meeting with our
"Best Of Venice" committee
at 3 p.m.; there is no way I am
going to make it to Tampa. So I
leave the office almost panicky.
I don't like anyone working in
my mouth, let alone a stranger,
but I have to be at the meeting.
I call our medical rep,
Charleen Myers, for assistance
with my dental emergency.
Charleen can be a very con-
cerned and helpful person
when challenged with an
obstacle and begins the
questioning.

I am a guy; I don't want to
answer questions when I am
100 percent. When there is
a dental emergency, I really
don't want to be involved in an
interrogation. After 30 min-
utes of answering questions,
Charleen felt confident enough
to call a dentist client of ours
to fix my issue.
Bad luck again. They were
not in the office. Charleen calls
back, and more questions,
more time out the window
and we have a referral. In the
meantime, I do what every man
does when there is no hope in
sight, we call her the wife or
girlfriend as we have made
all efforts to fix said problem.
After answering all questions
- again, it's like they have
a check off list for questions
designed for any scenario ever
- my girlfriend springs into
action in Sarasota. We are now
past 1 p.m. and I am sweating
that I will not be ready for
the meeting. Charleen comes
through with a referral.
As I am talking to her refer-
ral, it is determined that they
don't have all of the needed
material for this emergency and
asks me to call Davis and Beyer,
Dental Health Professionals.
This team went into action
from the first contact. I was told
to come in and they would get
me in right away and I would
make the meeting.
I call my girlfriend and tell
her my problem is solved as I
am driving toward the destina-
tion. Now she has to cancel all
plans she has made, but lucky
for me she is not angry.
Upon reaching the location,
I was asked to fill out paper-
work, but was told by the lady
up front I would not have
time to finish it as the dentist
would call me in right away.
That did happen. The dentist
and his assistant had me in the
chair and numbed up in five
minutes, assuring me that the
numb feeling would be gone
by 2:30 p.m.
They did their thing on my
emergency and had me on my
feet and out the door in record
time. The entire staff was
accommodating, focused and
knew the job that needed to be
done. More importantly, they
performed the task flawlessly.
Davis and Beyer, on this
day you were my National
Champion as you saved my
day, and you stayed focused on
the entire 60 minutes, not just
59. Perhaps the Auburn Tigers
could learn a lesson from this
staff.

LETTERS WELCOME
Letters to the editor are welcome on virtually any subject. They must be
signed and give the writer's address and telephone number for verifica-
tion. Letters of more than 250 words may be edited for length. We do not
publish letters that condemn or praise business service. We do not publish
poetry, open letters or letters to third parties. Letters from the same
person will not be published more than once a month. Send or bring your
letter to the Venice Gondolier Sun, 200 E. Venice Ave., Venice FL 34285. You
can also fax signed letters to 941-484-8460 or email them to rdupont@
venicegondolier.com. For more information, call 941-207-1000.

JUDGE OVERTURNS GOV. SCOTT'S
WELFARE DRUG TESTING PROGRAM

AG6ovv1aYMV3
(66AEWGKx 5uw

WHAT SHOULD VENICE DO ABOUT THE BEACH POLLUTION PROBLEM? CALL US AT 941207-1111.

Panhandlers. I'm calling
about all the panhandlers in
back of the Publix Shopping
Plaza on U.S. 41 in Venice.
Can't we do something about
them? They are pathetic look-
ing, and I don't think we need
them. At least tell people not
to give them anything. That
will make them go away.
Water Plan. To City Council:
Open your minds. Listen to
your constituents. Keep your
consultant recommending an
underground filtration system
which decreases bacteria
count similar to that in normal
groundwater. Sounds like this
can be done for about the
same price as your plan to
dump untreated water on any
part of our wonderful beach.
Open your minds.
Water Spin. I am calling in
response to the article about
the solution that's in the
works for solving our con-
tamination issues at Venice
Beach. We should now call
Venice Spin City because that
is all the Gondolier has done
regarding this article and this
issue. This is spin. The title
of the article reads, "City to
dump untreated bacteria on
the beach." Well, that is ex-
actly what's been going on all
these years, and that's why our
beach gets closed repeatedly.
Some years as many as four or
five times.
The solution is what en-
gineers hired by the city of
Venice have come up with.
These are professionals; this is
their job. This is not a bunch
of Golden Beach residents. The
same residents that thought
they could put one over on the
FAA and get our desirable air-
port closed; which, of course,
they failed after costing all of
us a ton of money.
Now how much is this going

Let 'em

Have It
to cost us, the rest of the
residents, to keep our beach
safe? We are talking about a
swale up in the dunes. You
would not be able to stand at
the water's edge and see the
swale. We are now and have
been dumping our untreated
bacteria on the beach! Now
the plan is to finally stop
doing that. What is the prob-
lem here? How about spin
the other way, and make our
beach safe.
Water Praise. What the
53 Venice residents who
endorsed the Jan. 4 Guest
Column entitled "City to
dump untreated bacteria on
beach" failed to mention is
that the untreated bacteria
from those two major out-
flows on the island has been
running across our beach
and into our Gulf for many,
many years. Instead of crying,
"Not my backyard," why not
applaud the city and the
engineers involved who have
worked very hard in the past

MISSION STATEMENT
To be the superior quality, low-cost provider of information and adver-
tising in the local communities we serve. We will continuously improve:
the value of information provided to our customers; the value and results
for our advertisers; the quality of life in our communities; the return on
our stockholders'investment... while providing a fair, challenging and
rewarding workplace for productive employees.

two or more years.
Now we can confirm the
source of the problem but
to offer what appears to be a
viable and expedient solution
in the form of that eco-bio
swale. It's a great first step at
solving this ongoing problem,
and if there are any negative
effects, surely they can be
addressed just as expediently
in the future.
Water Eyesore. Regarding
the Guest Column "City to
dump untreated bacteria on
beach": I agree entirely with
the Guest Column. I would
have signed it happily; and I'm
glad somebody is doing some-
thing to deter the Venice City
Council from a precipitous, ill-
advised approach to a problem
that has been on Venice Beach
for many years.
Yes, occasionally, it has to
close. Putting an open eyesore
on the beach will not help
that situation and, in fact, it
seems absurd. All it takes is a
big storm to wash all of that
immediately into the Gulf.
There has to be a better way;
and the fact this is being done
so precipitously leads me to
believe that there are other
interests involved than the
city's people.
Water & Storms. I am calling
about the city's decision to
put bacteria on part of our
beautiful Venice Beach. What
happens when we have a tor-
rential rain or any rain, for that
matter. Doesn't all the bacteria
then go directly into the Gulf?

The Let'em Have It line al-
lows readers to sound off on is-
sues of local interest. Opinions
expressed here are solely those
of the callers. Personal attacks
on private individuals; attacks
on or commercials for specific
businesses; local candidate
endorsements or attacks
during election season; or
opinions or comments other-
wise unfit for publication will
not be printed. If you would
like to participate, call the line
at 941-207-1111. Call no more
than once a week. Please keep
your comments brief The line
is available all hours. Caller
identification is not required.

: WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 8,2014

I OBITUARIES
Virginia F.
Hattaway
Virginia Frances
Hattaway died
Wednesday, Jan. 1,
was born
^^^^__2014. She

nephews, extended
family and friends. She
was predeceased by her
beloved mother, Elmira
Culp Roe.
Services: A Celebration
of Life Service will be
held at 2 p.m., Saturday,
Jan. 11, at South Venice
Baptist Church, 3167
Englewood Road, Venice,
Fla.
Contributions: In lieu
of flowers, the family
requests memorial
donations be made to a
favorite charity.

Alanda M. Holder
Alanda M. Holder,
55, of Venice, Fla., died
Wednesday, Jan. 1, 2014.
She was born Dec. 2,
1958, in Easton, Pa.,
and moved to Venice
in 1970 from there. She
was a graduate of Venice
High School and worked
at Tervis Tumbler as a
graphic designer.

Survivors include her
husband of 37 years,
Harold; three sons,
Harold, Richard and
Robert Holder; her
mother, RuthVan Horn;
sisters, Lanale Martin and
Mae Tapp, and brother
Chester Van Horn, all of
Sarasota County; and four
grandchildren.

Thomas R. Riggs
Thomas "Tom" Ray
Died Tuesday,
S Dec. 31,
2013. He was
81.
STom was
bom to Ruth
'. and Ransom
Riggs in
Camp
Atterbury, Ind., on Jan. 22,
1932. Tom graduated from
Southport High School.
Tom joined the Navy
during the Korean
War and was stationed

in Japan. After being
discharged, Tom started
Riggs Construction
Company and spent
many years as a contrac-
tor in Indiana.
He relocated Riggs
Construction Company
to Sarasota County in the
1970s and built many
commercial and residen-
tial buildings in Sarasota
and Charlotte counties.
He was a member of
the Venice VFW and
American Legion.
Tom was preceded
in death by his son Tim
Riggs. Tom is survived
by his wife, Priscilla
Riggs, and children Peggy
Linton (Marc Linton),
Susan Cone (Andrew
Cone) and Garrett
Riggs. He also leaves 11
grandchildren and one
great-grandchild.
Services: Services will
be held Saturday, Jan. 25,
at 1 p.m. at the VFW Post
in Englewood, Fla.

JeanY. Rose
Jean Young Rose, 104,
born Nov. 27, 1909, in
Middletown, N.Y, and
S having lived
in Sarasota
,",;..:. County since
1971, passed
away Christmas
morning, Wednesday,
Dec. 25, 2013, following a
brief illness.
She was a retired regis-
tered nurse, having worked
for the state of Connecticut
Health Department as a
hospital and nursing home
inspector consultant.
DuringWorldWar II, she
was a member of the
Army Nurse Corps, and
remained an American
Legion member.
She was preceded in
death by her parents,
Horace and Jane Young;
husband, William Rose;
and son; Robert DeVilbiss.
She leaves her grandchil-
dren, Toni Clester Bonito,

Robert DeVilbiss and
Paul (Teresa) DeVilbiss;
and great-grandchil-
dren, Cory, Kyle, Jacob
and Sara DeVilbiss, all
of California. Locally,
she leaves nieces Janet
Williams of Estero, Fla.,
and Lind Aldrich of
Nokomis, Fla., and grand-
nieces and -nephews, as
well as dear friends and
the loving staff of Village
On The Isle.
Services: There will be
no local services.

OBITUARY POLICY
Obituaries are accepted from
funeral homes and crematories
only. There is no charge for
publishing an abbreviated death
notice once. Full obituaries,
notices of services and repeat
death notices will be subject to
charges. Obituaries should be
emailed to smcintosh@venice-
gondolier.com and must include
a phone number. For more
information, call 941-207-1011.

"The general perception is that hearing loss is a relatively inconsequential
part of aging," says Frank Lin, M.D., an otologist and epidemiologist at
Johns Hopkins University. But recent findings, he says, "suggest that it may play
a much more important role in brain health that we've previously thought."
Have your hearing tested every year by a
professional to learn if you are at risk.

a starter for the Venice
Indians since the day she
stepped on campus. After
going through some of-
fensive struggles. Indians

coach Jim Davis decided
to use Angelo in a
reserve role for Tuesday's
contest against the
Booker Tornadoes.
Angelo responded
with her best game of
the season, scoring 19
points and pulling down
five rebounds in leading
the Indians to a 62-52
victory.
"I've played terrible
lately," Angelo said.
"Coach said he was go-
ing to do this and there
wasn't much I could do
about it. My teammates
told me to keep my head
up because they know
what I can do."
Davis said, "She has
been struggling for a
few games and I'm glad
to see her attack the
basket. She was finish-
ing shots. For us to be
successful this season,
we need Taylor to play
like this."
Senior guard Maggie

Flynn added 17 points,
four rebounds, three as-
sists and three steals as
the Indians used a 19-2
run in the third quarter
to take the lead and not
look back.
"She is so much farther
ahead than I thought she
would be with her knee,"
Davis said. "On offense
she has so many weap-
ons. On defense, she
doesn't have the same
lateral quickness, but it's
coming."
The Tornadoes got out
to a 12-4 lead in the first
quarter before Venice
closed with six straight
points to only trail 12-10
after one.
"We missed like six
layups," Davis said.
"Those were shots we
normally make. It wasn't
anything they were
doing on defense, we
just couldn't put the ball
in the basket."
Booker switched
to a 1-3-1 trap in the
second quarter and it
confused the Indians.
After tying the game at
20, the Tornadoes scored
seven straight points

to take a 27-20 lead.
Yamaris Guevarez and
Cellexia Foster scored
seven points each in the
quarter. Flynn scored
five of Venice's 13 points
in the quarter to keep
the Indians close.
"The 1-3-1 has wide
gaps but they're really
athletic and close those
gaps," Davis said. "It
took some adjusting on
our part."
The Tornadoes
continued to frustrate
the Indians, who had
no answer for Foster
and Guevarez. The two
guards helped Booker
extend its lead to 37-27
before the Indians went
on a 17-0 run.
Every Indian got
involved as Angelo pow-
ered to the basket for
layups, Flynn beat the
Tornadoes in transition
and Tiara Ward handled
the offensive glass for
easy points. The Indians
took a 46-39 lead into
the fourth quarter.
"We changed our
defensive position-
ing," Davis said. "We
came more up the line

so we could help on
(Guevarez) without
leaving our teammates
out to dry."
Venice continued their
onslaught in the fourth
as Flynn and Angelo
continued to exploit
mismatches.
"When I see someone
like that in front of me,
I attack the basket,"
Angelo said. "Now that I
know that I can do this, I
will play better."
The Indians also had
a strong performance
from the free-throw line,
connecting on 15 of their
20 attempts.
"Shooting that well
was huge for us," Davis
said. "We're good
shooters and we did a
great job."
Along with Flynn and
Angelo, Mariah Miller
scored nine points and
grabbed five rebounds.
Ward scored eight points
and led Venice with 12
rebounds.
Guevarez led the
Tornadoes with 18
points and eight assists,
while Foster added 16
points.

HIGH SCHOOL WRESTLING

Trammell highlights strong showing at Southeast Duals

By ROB SMITH
SPORTS EDITOR

The Venice High wrestling
took fourth place at last
weekend's Southeast Duals,
putting together an impres-
sive overall performance
in one of the season's most
competitive tournaments.
CJ Trammell was Venice's
top individual performer,
going 8-1 at 145 pounds. Bo
Williams (7-2) and Zach Kelly
(5-2) fared well at 120 and
126 pounds, respectively.
The Indians went 6-3 in the

Venice's Bo Williams controls his
opponent during a match at the
Southeast Duals in Bradenton.
Williams went 7-2 in the 120-pound
class.

HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL

Gauthier, Polk earn All-State honors

STAFF REPORT

Venice High offensive
lineman Tyler Gauthier
and running back Terry
Polk were both named
7A second-team All-
State selections Tuesday
morning.
Gauthier, a 6'4",
290-pound junior who
started every game at left
tackle and also played de-
fensive tackle, anchored
the Indians' explosive
rushing attack. Polk, a
senior, was the primary
beneficiary, racking up
1,728 rushing yards,
breaking the school's
single-season record.
The Indians finished
the season with an 8-3
record.

YMCA looking for
lacrosse coaches
The Venice YMCA is
presently looking for
volunteer coaches to
help organize and run a
youth lacrosse league for
children ages 5-13.
Anyone with playing
or coaching experience
may contact Gary Smith,
YMCA sports director, at
941-492-9622, ext. 158,
or email GSmith@
VeniceYMCA.org.

Swing for the Cure
set for Feb. 17
The Third Annual Swing
for a Cure golf tourna-
ment will be held at the
Venetian Golf and River
Club Monday, Feb. 17.
The event will ben-
efit the Scleroderma
Foundation, which raises
money for victims of
Scleroderma, a chronic
autoimmune disease.
To learn more about
Scleroderma, visit
Scleroderma.org.

Over 100 golfers have
already signed up for the
event. For more informa-
tion, contact Cos Mallozzi
at 3rdSwingForACure@
gmail.com.

Venice Little League
final registration
Jan. 11
Venice Little League
is holding its final

BRIEFS 111

GO TEAM
TUESDAYS!
Come in TUESDAY NIGHT 1/14/14
from 5-9 PM w/ a VHS student,
mention VHS Basketball and 10%
of bill will be DONATED to them!!!
Burgundy AU

As 2014 begins, I find
myself thinking back to
the dramatic changes in
my life since August 2012,
when my wife and I retired
to Venice and fell in love
with the local flora and
fauna, the vibrant colors,
the exotic birdlife, and the
mild temperature of the
Gulf and its oh-so-won-
derful beaches.
Among the many
miracles of our new life in
retirement was a freedom
I began experiencing after
almost 50 years of working

and raising a family. I was
finally able to do whatever
I really wanted to do.
In beautiful Venice, I
could now walk the beach,
swim, photograph birds,
ride a bike, and play
golf- not just 24/7, but
24/7/365! And I could en-
gage in all these outdoor
endeavors without having
to feel there was some-
thing more important that
I ought to be doing first.
So, for most of 2013,
I was intoxicated by a
feeling of physical renew-
al. Was there any limit to
the old muscles I could
reinvigorate by using them
in this burst of physical
activity?
I started playing golf at
the Lakes ofVenice course,
and my new buddies, like
former buddies up North,
told me I had a smooth
swing and that if I played a

lot, I'd be good.
Well, I played twice a
week for about a year,
but didn't really get much
better. As disappointment
set in, I signed up for a
lesson and Rebecca
Johnson, the teaching pro
at Capri Isles Golf Course,
helped me understand
(finally) that golf isn't just
a physical game; it's a
cerebral one, too.
Since August, I've been
contributing senior golf
stories to the Venice
Gondolier Sun. Writing a
monthly column about
golf has given me a chance
to expand my perspective
on the game.
Primarily, I still play to
be out amidst the beauty
of the environment; but
also for the exertion -
and the endlessly variable
challenges the game
presents.

But in writing about
golf, I've also developed a
genuine appreciation for
the humor, desperation,
and bravery of my fellow
senior golfers.
I've also been learning
how to learn how to
improve and enjoy my golf
skills, whatever they are
and aren't.
I still love walking nine
holes at Capri Isles in the
late afternoons, often
all alone on the course.
I'm vividly aware of the
surroundings and of the
physicality of walking and
playing. It takes everything
I have; my lower back acts
up.
After awhile I begin
realizing that creating
successful shots is not
the same thing as being
enraptured with these late
afternoon walkabouts.
When I ask a neighbor

of mine who plays par golf
what his secret is, he tells
me to focus on putting
first, then chipping to
isolate one type of shot
after another and focus
my practice on that one
shot.
So it's not just about
knocking myself out
physically, no matter how
happily, to the point of
exhaustion and pain.
Now I study YouTube
teaching videos, then
go out and work on one
aspect of my game at a
time.
Worshipping the
deity that is golf, I actually
proclaimed my love of the
game aloud a few evenings
ago.
What made me so hap-
py was a steeply undulat-
ing practice green and
the variety of interesting
putts it required of this

supplicant to the golf gods.
I enjoyed the placement
of the holes, right on hilly
crests, so that even putts
that just missed the cup by
an inch, and almost died
at the pin, could trickle
down a steep slope and
wind up 15 feet below the
hole!
Once again I was alone
on a golf course at dusk,
this time on a cool (for
Florida), breezy, late
December early evening.
Walking alone to my
car, still enjoying myself
immensely from the
challenges of the prac-
tice green, in the chilly
December dusk, I heard
myself proclaim, "I love
you, golf!"

registration for the spring
season (ages 6-16)
Saturday, Jan. 11, from
9 a.m. to noon at Chuck
Reiter Field.
All players (new and
returning) must be
registered by this date in
order to participate.
Visit
VeniceLittleLeague.com
for more information
regarding required
documentation.

Boating class
starts Jan. 18
The Venice Sail and
Power Squadron is offering
its three-day squadron
boating class beginning
Saturday, Jan. 18, with the
remaining courses being
held Jan. 25 and Feb. 1.
This class is open to the
public and covers boat han-
dling, "rules of the road",
required equipment, PWC
operation and trailering.
The cost is $55/person,
and successful completion
qualifies for the Florida Safe
Boater's Certificate.
Each session begins

at 8:30 a.m. and ends at
1 p.m., and is held at the
Waymire Training Center,
located at 1450 LucayaAve.
inVenice.
For more information or

to register, call Tim McGarr
at 941-493-2837 (leave your
name and phone number).
Tim can also be reached
via email at stilenraile@
verizon.net.

Your sex life and erection can now survive
FREE book by doctor reveals what the drug
companies don't want you to know!
Dr. Kevin Hornsby, MD, will mail the first 37 men that respond to this ad
a free copy of his new thirty dollar book "A Doctor's Guide to Erectile
Dysfunction." He's so sure this book will change your life he will even pay
the postage and handling. If the popular pills don't work for you, regardless
of your age or medical history, you owe it to yourself and your lady to read
this book now! Call Toll Free 800-777-1922 24-hrs. and leave your name
and address (only).

Buy a gift certificate
and get the matching
gift certificate FREE!
Buy A $50 Gift Certificate
And Get A $50 Gift
Certificate FREE!
NOW TOWARDS
YOU V Elm A
HAVE | UU PURCHASE
of $499 or more
Buy A $150 Gift Certificate
And Get A $150 Gift
Certificate FREE!
NOW s TOWARDS
YOU Vjl I A
HAVE PURCHASE
of 999 or more

By SUSAN ERWIN
GONDOLIER SUN
CORRESPONDENT
Lost, hungry and aban-
doned just a few months
ago, three lucky cats are

a cat and the microchip
matched an address in
Venice.
"We contacted the
people and they were
packing up to leave the
very next day they

stranger, Cruiser calmly
greeted us with one
quiet meow," Burke said.
"Cruiser settled in at the
shelter and became our
self-appointed office
kitty."
Cruiser was reunited
with his family six weeks
later.

Fixing Holly
When Rick and Marilyn
Thomas found Holly,
a beautiful brown and
white cat, she was emaci-
ated, could barely move
and her right front leg
looked like it was broken
at the joint.
They immediately
called Shelley Kingsbury
and Kurt Winter at the
Punta Gorda Animal
Hospital. Dr. Kingsbury
saw the little stray as the
last patient of the day.
Her paw was separated
from her leg and there
was an open puncture

wound in that area. She
vowed to save her.
After a thorough
examination, the doctor
suspected the leg bone
was badly infected and
the leg would have to be
amputated.
Rick was on the hunt
for a shelter that would
take a three-legged cat.
St. Francis Animal Rescue
offered to take the stray.
Holly continued to
amaze the doctors and
staff during her recov-
ery sitting up, eating
voraciously and using the
litter box.
"She (Holly) is de-
clawed, and the people
who found her think that
a larger animal must
have tried to get her but
she somehow got away,"
Burke said. "She is such
a loving cat and she has
really made a speedy
recovery considering all
FELINES 17

Gail Carson, left, president of the board of St. Francis Animal
Rescue, in Venice, stands by the shelter's van with Amy Berke,
manager.

experiencing a new leash
on life this year.
St. Francis Animal
Rescue has had a few
remarkable rescue efforts
recently.
The no-kill cat and kit-
ten shelter and adoption
center in Venice was able
to return a stray cat found
in North Carolina to its
owners in Venice, who
were seasonal residents
preparing to head back
up north.

Returning Cruiser
Amy Burke, manager
at St. Francis Animal
Rescue, said she received
a phone call from a
rescue shelter in North
Carolina that had found

were overjoyed," said
Burke. "This is a true tes-
tament that microchips
do work and can really
make a difference when
pets get lost."
John Gordon, a North
Carolina pilot who
volunteers for Pilots N
Paws, a network of private
pilots who donate their
time and their planes to
transport rescue animals,
offered to fly Cruiser
home.
The North Carolina
shelter agreed to board
him until his flight back.
Two weeks later, Cruiser
landed in Venice.
"In spite of being
confined in a carrier for
over 12 hours in a small
Cessna airplane with a

PHOTO COURTESY OF ST FRANCIS ANIMAL RESCUE
Nemo is a rescued cat that needed emergency surgery to save
his life just weeks ago. Supporters of St. Francis came forward
and donated to Nemo's appeal on Gulf Coast Gives and also
donated privately to help pay for the vet bill. Nemo is currently
at the shelter waiting to be adopted.

SUN PHOTO BY SUSAN ERWIN

Shelter manager Amy Berke plays with Yolo (short for You Only
Live Once). Yolo is just one of the playful kittens available for
adoption.

SUN PHOTO BY SUSAN ERWIN
To help the shelter, people can purchase a memorial brick paver
and have a message engraved in it as a permanent tribute to
their beloved pet.

PHOTO COURTESY OF ST. FRANCIS ANIMAL RESCUE
Holly, a stray found with serious leg injuries, had surgery and is
recuperating well. Holly is currently waiting at the shelter for a
new loving home.

'Loot' is outrageous on steroids

By KIM COOL
FEATURES EDITOR

Teenager Hal McLeavy
(Jory Murphy) can rob
a bank with Dennis
(Matthew Anderson), an
undertaker, connive with
Fay (Olivia Williamson),
his late mother's nurse
about where to hide the
money, but he cannot tell
a lie.
This is but a tiny bit of
the convoluted tale spun
by the late '60s British
playwright Joe Orton
in "Loot," the second
production of the season
by the second-year stu-
dents in the FSU/Asolo
Conservatory of Actor
Training.
"You've been a widower
for three days," Fay asks
the grieving widower
(Michael Frishman) on
the day of the funeral.
"Have you considered a
second wife yet?"
Mrs. McLeavy's body is
in the coffin in the parlor

of the McLeavy's hotel in
London. It is the day of
the funeral.
Mr. McLeavy is obvi-
ously distraught about
the death of his wife but
it seems that Fay, too, has
had an even unhappier
life.
"My husbands all died,"
she said. "I've had seven
you see."
Despite what has
happened to all her
former husbands, Dennis
is totally smitten with Fay.
Fay, on the other hand,
is more interested in the
grieving widower, or at
least in his estate. She
seems to have already
taken care of the late
wife's estate or so
she says as she tries to
convince Mr. McLeavy
to become her eighth
husband.
Hal and Dennis have
their own problem. They
need to hide the money
they stole from the bank
because they fear the

police may be on to them.
They involve Fay in their
dilemma for a share of
the "loot."
With Fay's help, the
corpse is stripped and
wrapped in a sheet and
the body stuffed in a cabi-
net, leaving the coffin as
a place to stash the cash.
During the exchange of
body and cash, it seems
one of Mrs. McLeavy's
glass eyes pops out and
rolls somewhere in the
room.
It is into this convolut-
ed scenario that a man
claiming to be from the
water department arrives.
Later we learn that the
man is Truscott (Brian
Owen) of "The Yard."
When he discovers
the wrapped body, Hal,
Dennis and Fay convince
him that what is wrapped
in the curtain is the
manikin she uses for
sewing clothing and will
be used to demonstrate at
a conference.

PHOTO COURTESY OF FSU/ASOLO CONSERVATORY FOR ACTOR TRAINING
Matthew Andersen, left, Brian Owen and Jory Murphy in FSU/Asolo Conservatory's production of
"Loot." though Jan. 19 in the Cook Theatre.

As Truscott peppers
the three with questions,
Hal blurts out that he had
a hand in the bank job.
Remember he cannot
tell a lie.

What Orton shows us
on stage is diabolically
outrageous and what
seems to occur offstage
is even more so as the
story escalates and poor

THE ABSOLUTE OPPOSITE

OF ORDINARY I FROM $65,600

TEST DRIVE ONE TODAY

"BaseMSRP Excludes taxes and fees See dealer for details

Mrs. McLeavy is nearly
buried, save for a crash
in which the hearse,
grieving widower and a
LOOTI7

IOSR T

VENUE 3B

492-6000

CONTACT US
941-207-1102
ablackwell@venicegondolier.com
SUN NEWSPAPERS

WELL BEING

2B
WEDNESDAY
JANUARY 8, 2014

After saying 'never,' Fong leads by example, action

HOSPITAL
TALES
DEAN LAUX, GUEST COLUMNIST
There are three things
Jonathan Fong said he
would never do. First, he'd
never be a doctor.
Second, okay then, if he
did become a doctor, he'd
never be a heart surgeon.
Third, he'd never live in the
South. Those are fine words,
coming from a cardiac
surgeon in Venice, Fla.
But Jonathan Fong is
no ordinary physician.
A highly skilled surgeon,
he is one of the reasons
why Venice Regional
Medical Center has been
given a top rating (3 out
of 3 stars) by the Society
of Thoracic Surgeons for
the past three years, one
of only three hospitals in
Florida to do so.
He's had his share of
famous patients. Other
physicians have chosen
him when they them-
selves or their family
members needed a heart
procedure. And he has

PHOTO PROVIDED
Jonathan Fong, MD, is a
physician who practices what
he preaches.
built up a devoted follow-
ing of former patients who
swear by him as a doctor
and a friend.
Fong was one of four
children bom to Chinese
parents in Philadelphia, Pa.
"I was the middle
gestation," he says, a
turn of phrase that only a
physician would use.
His parents were both
pharmacists, and he had
three sisters, including
twins.

"One sister became
a pharmacist, another
became a nurse, and the
black sheep of the family
became an English teach-
er," he deadpans.
Sounds like someone
destined to enter the
medical profession.
"I wasn't interested in
medicine," he says. "I was
interested in the hard
sciences, but I went into
medicine because my
father wanted me to, and I
respected his wishes as his
only son."
It so happens that
Jonathan was the top
student in his high school
class of 800, and he was
given a chance to test for
a scholarship award that
would pay for an acceler-
ated five-year program at
Penn State and Thomas
Jefferson Medical College,
netting him a BS and an
MD degree. He took the
test, got the award, and
went.
"I felt honor-bound to
do that," he says, and 26
years later, he's very happy
he did. So are a lot of other
people here inVenice.

During his residency,
he did a rotation at
Columbia Medical
School, which had the
country's leading heart
transplant program, and
the whole process so
fascinated him that he
changed his career plan
from general surgery to
heart surgery. He had
already developed a great
pair of surgeons' hands.
"Whatever my mother
taught my sisters, she
taught me as well," he
said. "So I learned to sew,
cross-stitch, whatever,
when I was quite young. I
became very nimble with
my fingers, and that comes
in handy when I do surgical
stitching."
When he finished his res-
idency at Strong Memorial
Hospital in Rochester, N.Y.,
Dr. Fong joined the Ocala
Heart Institute at their
Leesburg, Fla., offices. And
when they opened an office
inVenice affiliated with
Venice Regional, he came
here in 2003.
Something beyond his
great surgical skill sets Fong
apart from many of his

colleagues. He is able to
cross the barriers that often
separate physicians from
their patients and staff.
"A lot of doctors com-
partmentalize their lives,
professional and personal,"
he says.
That's understandable,
because physicians need
to shield themselves from
the sufferings of their
patients, some of whom die
on them. The cumulative
psychological toll can be
devastating.
"I like talking to my
patients, finding out about
them, what they did with
their lives and careers," he
says. "It's fascinating. And
I've always appreciated the
collective wisdom of the
aged."
Now there's a man with
good judgment.
"I was raised as a
Christian," Fong says,
"and as a Christian, I was
always asking myself how
I could do a better job
of integrating my beliefs
with my work. I felt there
was a deeper purpose in
life beyond the practice of
medicine. I decided that

I could dedicate myself
to making people feel
better. I could correct
their anatomic abnormal-
ities so they'd feel better
physically, and I could
talk with them, or relate to
them so they'd feel better
psychologically."
That he has succeeded
in this is attested to by
the thick files of letters he
receives from his patients.
"I love to read their
letters," he says.
And why not? They're
filled with praise and
thanks for what Fong has
done for them.
Fong does not stop
there. Very early every
Thursday morning, he
leads a devotional session
for other members of
Venice Regional's staff:
nurses, physicians,
technicians, whoever
wants to attend. He tells
them to fulfill themselves
and to reach out to others,
to truly put their beliefs,
whatever they are, into
their work and their
relationships with others.
And you can bet he tells
them, "Never say never."

Pregnant women urged

to receive flu vaccine

FROM SARASOTA COUNTY
COMMUNICATIONS
The Florida Department
of Health in Sarasota
County (DOH-Sarasota)
urges pregnant women to
receive the flu vaccination
due to the increased impact
influenza infections are
having on pregnant women
and their babies.
"The flu vaccine is the
single best way to prevent
flu," said DOH-Sarasota
Medical Director Dr.
William Heymann. "We
want to make sure people
understand how important
it is for pregnant women
to receive the influenza
vaccination to protect
themselves and their
babies."
DOH-Sarasota recom-
mends that all people six
months of age and older
receive the flu vaccination.
It is especially important
fr pI -lNilut l\l~ln tilt
I %t V ,t1% Illll' d dIt 'i I Ill 'l
I Illt ,lIsi I. tI,lh ', i,\ II|| h ,| i -

any symptoms, see your
primary care provider
immediately. For more
information on pregnant
women and influenza,
visit Cdc.gov/flu/protect/
vaccine/pregnant.htm.
Flu vaccines are offered
in many locations, includ-
ing doctor's offices, clinics,
health departments, retail
stores, pharmacies, health
centers, and by many
employers and schools.
Check for locations with
your physician, the Florida
Department of Health in
Sarasota County or visit
FloridaHealth.gov/
prevention-safety-and-
wellness/flu-prevention/
locate-a-flu-shot.html.
For more informa-
tion about Florida
Department of Health
in Sarasota County, visit
SarasotaHealth.org or call
941-861-2900.

Your sex life and erection can now survive
FREE book by doctor reveals what the drug
companies don't want you to know!
Dr. Kevin Hornsby, MD, will mail the first 37 men that respond to this ad
a free copy of his new thirty dollar book "A Doctor's Guide to Erectile
Dysfunction." He's so sure this book will change your life he will even pay
the postage and handling. If the popular pills don't work for you, regardless
of your age or medical history, you owe it to yourself and your lady to read
this book now! Call Toll Free 800-777-1922 24-hrs. and leave your name
and address (only).

The Friendship
Centers Caregiver
Resource Centers
offers the Powerful
Tools for Caregivers
Graduate Program,
building on the strat-
egies learned through
the Powerful Tools
course, to provide
additional support on
the caregiving journey,
with added focus on
relationships and
building resiliency.
Presenting the
course is Miriam

Lacher, MA, MRC,
LMHC, a well-known
speaker who un-
derstands the chal-
lenges and needs of
caregivers.
The courses will be
offered as follows:
Thursday, Jan. 23,
9 a.m.-noon, Jacaranda
Trace, 3600 William
Penn Way, Venice,
and Friday, April 11,
10 a.m.-2 p.m., at
Living Waters Lutheran
Church, 12476
Chancellor Blvd.,
North Port.
To register or for

more information
about these dates
and other dates in
Sarasota, call Phyllis
Balliett in Venice,
941-584-0050.
Powerful Tools
Graduate Seminars,
developed by Senior
Friendship Centers
Master Trainers, are
offered free to family
caregivers, thanks
to the support of
a grant from the
Verna L. Grauel fund
of the Community
Foundation of Sarasota
County.

In order to provide "one-stop shopping" for area
event listings, the Venice Gondolier Sun is consol-
idating calendar items into a single location. The
Venue calendar includes library, senior, Well-Being
and religion events as well as community events.
We have moved to a reader-submission model for
all of these items.
To get your events printed in the newspaper, they
must be submitted via our website, www.venice-
gondoliersun.com. On the left, click on "Community
Calendar,"then click on "Submit Event"and fill in
the appropriate fields. You must enter the location,
address and phone number in the "Print Edition Text"
box for it to print.

Deadlines: For events to run in Wednesday's paper,
the deadline is 1 p.m. Monday. For events to run in
Saturday's paper, the deadline is 1 p.m. Thursday.
In order to print as many events as possible, we will
print a maximum of four lines per event at no cost. You
may purchase additional space for $10 per day, per
event, per edition. Simply choose"Paid Listing"on the
"Submit Event" page on the website. All paid listings
will run in the location designated for the event type.
We will only allow one submission per event, per
day. If your event runs for more than one day, you will
need to submit a separate form for each day. Multiple
submissions of the same event for the same date may
result in all the related events being removed.

By ELAINE ALLEN-EMRICH
NORTH PORT
COMMUNITY NEWS EDITOR
When Steve Jordan's
son Jamie died at 28 of
complications from drug
usage, he lost his best
friend.
Jordan had a hard time
coping in the past two
years since Jamie's death.
Eventually, he channeled
his sadness into some-
thing that could help
bring awareness and be a
tribute to Jamie.
Jordan began creating
a life-sized, portable

sculpture with the names
of other local young
people who died due to
drug-related activities.
"A parent should never
have to bury their child,"
said Jordan, a 30-year
resident of North Port. "As
I was working on the 'Tree
of Life,' I got help from
people who were recover-
ing from drug or alcohol
addictions. Together we
worked on this project
for hours. It was a way for
me to begin my healing
process, and for them to
work on something with

great meaning."
Jordan named his
artwork "The Tree of Life
If It Saves One Life." It is
a combination of etched
glass with a tribute to
Jamie. It has a small
statue of an angel.
Above the angel
are many branches.
Attached to some of
them are hearts made of
bronze with the names
of people who have
died some as young as
15 including Marissa
Martek, Sean Connor,
Calvin Pepe, Kristopher

Steve Jordan touches his son Jamie's copper heart on the sculpture he created as a tribute to
him and to promote awareness about the impact of drugs and alcohol on family and friends of
overdose victims not just the substance user. The sculpture is on display in front of Tri-County
Counseling, 12543 S. Tamiami Trail, North Port (near the Warm Mineral Springs Motel).

Van Camp, Gerome
Battis, JillionWhimier,
Sherri Comstock,
Crystal Degregoria,
Mary Tayler, Thomas
Zellas, Christopher
Wilson, Brandy Celine,
Catlin Pries Tap, Nathan
Easterly, Candice
Brown Courtright, Chad
Desantis, Justin Davis and
Vinny Milano.
Also on the tree is
15-year-old Nick Block's
name. He was found dead
of an accidental drug
overdose alongside his
mother, who survived an
overdose and is now in
federal prison along with
her husband, who was
implicated in supplying
his family with the pills
and alcohol in a North
Port hotel room in 2010.
"Most of the people
on the tree are from the
North Port area," said
Candace Townsend,
certified addiction
counselor at Tri-County
Counseling. "Addiction
is a deeply concerning
issue because it impacts
family members who
have suffered a loss. Steve
is offering to add names
of others who have died
from addiction to his
'Tree of Life' as a way to
help more families."
Two years ago, Sarasota
County shut down pill

mills, where doctors were
prescribing medication
freely with limited state
supervision. As a result,
there were fewer deaths
(in some cases acciden-
tal) from prescription
medications from 2011 to
2012.
However, Jordan said it
was too late for his son.
"I can't get my son
back," he said. "The one
thing I can do is offer the
'Tree of Life If it Saves
One Life' to churches,
schools, at the library
and other local places to
display for a month at a
time. It will create conver-
sations between children
and their parents. It
reminds people of those
young people we have
lost over the years. There
are teenagers' names on
the tree, as well as those
in their 30s.
"By letting our youth
know the reality of the
damage drug abuse
causes, maybe we can
stop it at the root easier
than trying to undo a
problem that seems to
be unstoppable once it's
started," he said.
Longtime resident
Nellie Milano recently
visited the "Tree of Life."
She cried as she touched
the bronze heart with her
sonVinny's name on it.

SUN PHOTOS BY ELAINE
ALLEN-EMRICH,
eallen@sun-herald.com
"The Tree of Life If It Saves
One Life" is on display at
Tri-County Counseling, and
is available to be loaned out
to local churches and other
groups who want to increase
awareness about drug and
alcohol addiction.
"He died in October of
2012," she said. "I miss
him every day. It's so
hard for me. I hope this
tree brings healing. It's
not easy when you lose a
child."
For more information
about the "Tree of Life,"
call Steve Jordan at
941-380-3848.
Email: eallen@sun-herald.com

Sarasota County delays action on pet ordinance

By SCOTT LOCKWOOD
STAFF WRITER

After listening to more
than two hours of public
comment on both sides
of a proposed ordinance
that would ban the sale
of commercially bred
dogs, cats and rabbits
in pet stores in Sarasota
County, commissioners
recently pushed back
any action on the
ordinance for 60 days
to get clarification from
legal staff.
In early December,
more than 200 people
packed the commission
chambers at the Robert L.
Anderson Administration
Center in South Venice -
including a large group of
citizens opposed to the

ordinance who arrived
on a charter bus from
Sarasota.
Nearly 60 people, from
concerned citizens to
veterinarians to nearly
an entire staff of one of
the stores that would be
affected by the ordinance,
signed up to speak during
public comment.
Presentations includ-
ed graphic photos of
conditions at "puppy
mills," where speakers
allege that the four
retail establishments
in the county that sell
puppies or kittens buy
the animals they sell in
stores. These include
Petland, on Fruitville
Road near Interstate
75 in Sarasota; Top
Dog Pets & Grooming,

located in the Gulf Gate
area; and Puppies R Us,
opened recently on South
Tamiami Trail, south of
the Sarasota city limits.
An additional location,
Puppy Town, located on
Tamiami Trail, is within
the city of Sarasota.
Petland owner Cathy
Harper, who had nearly
her entire staff speak,
denied getting puppies
from a mill. She said
her staff regularly visits
breeders and felt hon-
ored to know where the
store's puppies come
from after visiting the
homes. Petland corporate
also visits breeders and
providers, and discon-
tinues any business with
any breeder who is found
with violations, she said.

"We love animals and
we want to send happy,
healthy pets to forever
homes," Harper said.
"Our puppies come
from USDA licensed and
respected breeders and
providers with no direct
violations. Many of our
pups are AKC, which
means they're inspected
by the American Kennel
Club as part of their
program. We use good
breeders who take care of
their dogs."
Puppy Town owner
William Rowland said
the ordinance takes away
the rights of the people
to purchase the animals
where they choose.
"There's no need for
an ordinance that closes
businesses and doesn't

even address the prob-
lem," he said. "Puppy
Town does not support
puppy mills or bad
breeders."
Commissioners were
torn about moving
forward to advertise a
public hearing where
the ordinance would
be adopted. County
Attorney Steve DeMarsh
said he had concerns
over some of the con-
tracts that businesses
may have with pro-
viders, meaning the
ordinance could come
under fire from the
state's commerce clause
that regulates business.
"We have to ad-
dress this commerce
clause first," County
Commissioner Joe

Barbetta said. "It seems
like we're singling out
four businesses and
we haven't gotten any
groundswell of com-
plaints on those to my
knowledge, so it seems
like we'd be passing an
ordinance that would
shut down retail opera-
tions when we could find
another way to address
this issue. This is obvious-
ly a major issue, and the
state Legislature should
be all over it."
The commission voted
unanimously to have
DeMarsh conduct a legal
review of the ordinance.
It will return to the board
as a discussion item
within the next couple of
months.
Email: slockwood@sun-heroald.com

Hop on for a theatrical

'Carousel' ride

FROM THE PLAYERS THEATRE

The Players Theatre
continues the song and
dance of a successful 84th
season with a new pro-
duction of the immortal
musical "Carousel." The
show runs on The Players
main stage Thursday, Jan. 9
through Jan. 19 with shows
every day except Monday
and Friday.
"Carousel" includes the
well-known songs "If I
Loved You," "June Is Bustin'
Out All Over" and "You'll
Never Walk Alone."
Set in a late 19th century
Maine coastal village, the
carefree carnival barker
Billy Bigelow captivates
and marries naive mill
worker Julie Jordan. Billy
loses his job just as he
learns that Julie is pregnant
and, desperate to provide
a decent life for his family,
becomes an accomplice
to a robbery. Caught in the
act and facing the certainty
of prison, he takes his own
life and is sent "up there."
Billy is allowed to return
to earth for one day 15
years later and encounters
the daughter he never
knew. She is a lonely,

friendless teenager, her fa-
ther's reputation as a thief
and bully having haunted
her throughout childhood.
The manner in which Billy
instills a sense of hope
and dignity in both the
child and her mother is a
dramatic testimony to the
power of love.
It's easy to understand
why "Carousel" was
Rodgers & Hammerstein's
personal favorite. Love,
loyalty, forgiveness and
faith are the abiding
themes given to his child
and the audience.
Featured players are
William Masuck (Billy
Bigelow), Kathryn Parks
(Julie Jordan), Nikki
Maack Shuster (Carrie
Pipperidge), Sharon
Ohrenstein (Nettie Fowler)
and Ian Cicco (Enoch
Snow). "Carousel" also
boasts a talented ensem-
ble of local performers, a
hallmark of The Players
Theatre productions.
Berry Ayers directs and
choreographs the show;
Joyce Valentine con-
ducts the instrumental
ensemble.
Ayers shares his take
on the classic story: "So,

I delved into the script
thinking, 'Rodgers &
Hammerstein = light fun.'
Instead, what I found was
a nuanced, touching and
timeless tale of love and
choices. I knew that I had
to tell this story simply and
truthfully and be true to
the heart of its creators;
including the incredible
Agnes De Mille. This is not
a show where I ask you to
sit back and watch, I hope
you end up on the edge
of your seat, completely
involved, with a possible
tear or two in your eyes."
Voted "Best Musical of
the 20th Century" by Time
magazine, "Carousel"
offers a ride full of ups and
downs, with the singing,
dancing and drama that
can only come from
the duo of Rodgers &
Hammerstein.
Tickets are $30 for pre-
mium seating (rows A-E)
and $25 for all others.
Groups of 10 or more
receive special discount
pricing. Tickets can be
purchased in advance
at ThePlayers.org or by
calling 941-365-2494. The
theater is at 848 North
Tamiami Trail, Sarasota.

Ninth annual Vitale Gala planned

FROM THE V FOUNDATION

The ninth annual Dick
Vitale Gala will be held
Friday, May 16, at the
Ritz-Carlton in Sarasota,
hosted byV Foundation
for Cancer Research, a
leading cancer research
funding organization.
The Gala is hosted
by ESPN's Hall of Fame
Sportscaster DickVitale,
University of Alabama
Football Coach Nick
Saban, University of
Notre Dame Basketball
Coach Mike Brey and
University of Indiana
Basketball Coach Tom
Crean. Net proceeds will
go to pediatric cancer
research and related
programs through The V
Foundation.
"I am so touched
by all of the sports
celebrities who donate
their time to assist us in
striving to make Jimmy
V's dream a reality,"
Vitale said. "We all
must unite to battle
this dreaded disease. In
Jimmy's famous ESPY
speech, he mentioned
that during every day
we should all think and
be filled with enough
emotion to make us
laugh and cry. I am
sure we will not let
Jimmy down as we once
again experience the

electricity of the eve-
ning and join together
at this fantastic event."
The DickVitale Gala
has raised over $10
million since the event
began in 2006. The Gala
routinely draws many
sports and entertain-
ment celebrities to
Sarasota, including
several NCAA men's
basketball coaches.
"The DickVitale
Gala is an amazing
event," said Susan
Braun, CEO of The
V Foundation. "It is
lively and entertaining,
and also poignant and
meaningful. Helping
fight children's cancer is
a passion for Dick and
Lorraine Vitale, and it is
important and inspired
work. We are honored
by the generosity that
everyone shows The V
Foundation."
A cocktail hour will be
at 6:30 p.m., followed by
after-party entertain-
ment by the world fa-
mous Four Tops. Tickets
for the Gala start at
$1,000 with sponsorship
opportunities available
starting at $12,500. A
raffle drawing for "The V
Edition" 2014 Mercedes
Benz CLA250C will
take place at the Gala.
Tickets for the raffle are
$100 and are available

now. Winners do not
need to be present for
the drawing.
For more information
or to purchase tickets,
visit DickVitaleGala.org
or contact Mary Kenealy
at mary@
marykenealyevents.com.

About The V
Foundation
The V Foundation
for Cancer Research
was founded in 1993
by ESPN and the late
JimValvano, legendary
North Carolina State
basketball coach and
ESPN commenta-
tor. Since 1993, The
Foundation has funded
more than $100 million
in cancer research
grants nationwide. It
awards 100 percent of
all direct cash dona-
tions and net proceeds
of events directly to
cancer research and
related programs.
The endowment pays
administrative and
fundraising expenses.
The Foundation dis-
tributes grants through
a competitive awards
process strictly super-
vised by a Scientific
Advisory Board. For
more information or to
make a donation, visit
JimmyV.org.

WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 8,2014

Do You Hear, but not Understand?

You May Have Hearing Loss....

or Maybe it's just WAX....

We Can Find Out!

Never put anything smaller than your elbow in your ear.
Even this X-Large cotton swab is too small to put in your ear. Your ears are
actually self-cleaning! Using a cotton swab to clean your ear pushes wax
deeper into the ear canal and can create a blockage. Wax blockage is
one of the most common causes of hearing loss, and we have
an easy and painless way to check your ears. We'll use a miniatur-
ized camera to do a complete inspection of your ear canal and ear drum to
see if there's a wax blockage problem. Please call today to make an
appointment for your FREE Ear Canal Inspection!

FREE Ear Canal Inspection and

Hearing Screening for 5 days Only!

Monday Thru Friday January 6th 10th

While You're Here, we Invite You to Demo the
NEW PropelTM Wireless Hearing Instruments!
Listen to your TV, Radio or Cell Phone through your Have improved speech understanding, especially
hearing aids women's and children's voices.
Adjust the volume without touching the aid Hear better in in noisy places like a restaurant, or
groups of people.

48 Quick and light
50 Half a Northwest
city
51 Sock synthetic
52 Take a load off
54 Credulous
55 Words after cut or
close
56 Pool stroke
59 Mafia bigwigs
61 Maiden name intro
63 Have to thank
(for)

I GOREN BRIDGE

WEEKLY BRIDGE QUIZ ANSWERS

Q 1 East-West vulnerable, as South,
you hold:
SA865 J
The bidding:
SOUTH WEST NORTH EAST
1 0 Pass 1NT 2V
9
What call would you make?

A It is very unusual, after opening
one diamond, to re-bid in clubs
holding only 4-4 length in the two
suits. This is an unusual case.
Partner's response denied a four-card
major, therefore, he must have a four-
card or longer minor. Bid three clubs!
Partner will never give you a
preference back to diamonds with
only three-card diamond support.
Q 2 East-West vulnerable, as South,
you hold:
AVoidVKJ60 AJ10724AK974

The bidding:
SOUTH WEST NORTH EAST
10 26 Pass Pass
What call would you make?

A Playing negative doubles, as
many do these days, partner's pass
may not denote weakness. He might
have a good hand with spade
strength. For this reason, you must
keep the bidding open whenever you
are short in the opponent's suit. You
should choose to double if your hand
can stand a penalty pass by partner.
Your aces and kings will contribute
plenty to the defense. Double!
Q 3 Both vulnerable, as South, you
hold:
*Q43 1AJ54Q 24AKJ76
The bidding:
EAST SOUTH WEST NORTH
Pass 146 Pass FI
Pass ?
What call would you make?
A It is tempting to force to game,
but should partner have soft values in
diamonds, the hand might play
poorly. Bid three hearts, invitational.

Q 4 East-West vulnerable, as South.
you hold:
*AKJ843YK1054Q Void*KQ8
The bidding:
SOUTH WEST NORTH EAST
16 Pass 1NT Pass
?
What call would you make?
A Resist any temptation to bid three
spades. Partner might have short
spades with four or more hearts and
an easy game, or more, could be
missed. Bid two hearts. You can bid
three spades next if you get another
chance.
Q 5 Both vulnerable, as South, you
hold:
6 A 87654 AK9646 A K 2

The bidding:
SOUTH WEST NORTH EAST
F Pass 14 Pass
What call would you make?

A Resisting temptation seems to be
our theme this week. Should you bid
three diamonds, partner might well
have to give preference back to hearts
with only two-card support! You
would have to bid three no trump
with few tricks. Bid two diamonds.
Q 6 Neither vulnerable, as South,
you hold:
* Q 9 A K J 3 <0 K98410963
East opens one spade. What call
would you make?
A Double. You have minimal, but
acceptable, values for this bid.
Although four hearts are not
promised by your double, it is good
to have four when you double light.
(Tannah Hirsch and Bob Jones
welcome readers' responses sent in
care of this newspaper or to Tribune
Content Agency, LLC., 16650
Westgrove Dr., Suite 175, .4Ahli.un.
TX 75001. E-mail responses may be
sent to tcaeditors@tribune.com.)

I COMMUNITY NEWS BRIEFS
SPARCC coffee Venice. Jessica Moreno,
shelter director for
A free coffee will be Safe Place and Rape
held Jan. 8, 10 a.m., at Crisis Center will speak.
the Moose Lodge No. Call to reserve a spot,
1308, 111 Auburn Road, 941-320-5818.

LOOKING FOR 0

SOMETHING? W

Wednesday's Sudoku is in the classified
section along with Dear Abby,
horoscopes, movie listings, a bonus
crossword puzzle and a host of other
features. The Sudoku solution still

appears in OurTown.

SOLUTION TO TODAY'S
CLASSIFIED CROSSWORD

BRIDGE QUIZ
Look for the weekly
bridge quiz in
Saturday's real estate
classified section of the
Venice Gondolier Sun.
The answers appear in

This is the second of
South County Jazz Club/
GPAC's Jazz Series that
runs through April. For
ticket prices call The

Glenridge at 941-552-
5325 or visit Gpactix.
com. Get social with
GPAC at Facebook.com/
glenridgePAC.

FREE
:Mold Inspection $ 77value i
~Expires 1/15/1 /

Lic#CAC 1816190
Let Our 25 Years of Experience & Knowledge Work For You & Your Family
Locally owned and operated. Licensed and insured for your pr otection.)

Am rianAirIn

ORLO CAL.
Tide-'ell"ls
NOT-FOR-PROFIT
HOSPICE
SINCE 1980
preleenl

1TsAW O yLLIFE
Learn how Bea and Irv are living and loving
well at www.tidewell.org
To learn about Tidewell's programs and services, call
855-843-3935 anytime.
Serving Manatee, Sarasota, Charlotte and DeSoto counties.

FROM SERTOMA
CLUB OF VENICE
The Sertoma Club
of Venice recently an-
nounced Students and
Teacher of the Month of
December.
Student Jordan Dianne
Cunningham enjoys go-
ing to the beach, reading
and, in her free time, she
embroiders for friends
and family.
Jordan recently in-
terned at the District 12

LOOT
FROM PAGE 1

car all suffer great harm
while the coffin seems
unscathed save for
a lot of smoke from
within.

FELINES
FROM PAGE 1
she has been through."
Next on the agenda for
Holly is to find a safe and
loving home.

Saving Nemo
Nemo was diagnosed
with a life-threatening
condition and had less
than 48 hours to live if he
didn't receive immediate
medical attention.
When St. Francis
agreed to take him in, he
was immediately rushed
to a clinic for emergency
surgery.

medical examiner's office
and has been asked to
come back as a college
intern. Her new medical
endeavor is interning in
the emergency room at
Venice Regional Medical
Center.
Jordan is a member of
Spanish Honor Society,
The National Honor
Society and she serves as
treasurer of the Interact
Club.
Jordan maintains a 4.1
grade point average (GPA)

If it seems there could
be no more twists to this
tangled tale, there are -
plus a few sight gags as
well. The scenario above
is but act one serious-
ly simplified.
Outrageously humor-
ous and even silly, the
story also is somewhat

Less than 48 hours
after arriving at the
clinic, Nemo was recov-
ering successfully from
surgery. Nemo is now
healthy and ready to find
his forever family.
"Supporters of St.
Francis came forward and
donated to Nemo's appeal
on Gulf Coast Gives and
also donated privately to
help pay for the vet bill,
which was over $2,000,"
Burke said. "Together we
saved this affectionate,
young cat who can now
go on to live a long and
healthy life."

Helping kittens
Gail Carson is

and plans to attend a
university and major in
its medical program and
minor in forensics and
literature. She aspires
to become a doctor and
write a book based on her
experiences.
Jordan's mom is
Deanna Cunningham.
Student Chase
Leonhard enjoys sing-
ing, playing his guitar,
basketball and golf. He
loves music and is a
member of Venice High

prophetic as to what
has happened since the
early 1960s when this
was created and a certain
innocence vanished from
the world.
"Loot" runs through
Jan. 19 in the Cook
Theatre at the FSU Center
for the Performing Arts,

president of the board
of directors at SFAR. She
is busy organizing the
2014 annual gala fund-
raiser that is planned
to take place March 23
at Plantation Golf &
Country Club in Venice.
"It's a lot of work but
I have some very good
help and I have it down
to a science," Carson said.
The event will include
a live auction, dinner
and dancing.
St. Francis Animal
Rescue opened in 1992.
The shelter currently
has 15 kittens and 48
adult cats waiting for
new homes. Eighty-eight
non-adoptable cats live
at the shelter perma-
nently due to behavior

I COMMUNITY NEWS BRIEF

Open houses for
acting classes
Open houses are Friday,
Jan.10, 4:30-6 p.m.,
and Saturday, Jan. 11,
10 a.m.-noon, to share
information about the
Education and Outreach
opportunities at Venice
Theatre, 140W. Tampa
Ave., Venice. Registration
is open for Winter/Spring
classes for children and
adults. Classes start
Jan. 10 and run from four
to 11 weeks. Interested
students and parents

School's chamber chorus
"Le Voci de Venezia,"
which performs around
the community. Chase is
a member of Venice High
School National Honor
Society, vice president
of the Spanish Honor
Society and was a mem-
ber of the Key Club.
Chase maintains a 3.7
unweighted GPA and a 4.5
weighted GPA. He plans
to attend the University
of Florida or University of
Central Florida and major

5555 North Tamiami
Trail, Sarasota. Tickets
are $29 evenings and
$28 for matinees, with a
50 percent discount for
students. Purchase in
advance at the Asolo Rep
box office at the center or
call 941-351-8000.
Email: kcool@venicegondolier.com

and health issues.
About 100 volunteers
serve at the shelter on
a daily-basis. There is
one onsite veterinary
technician who oversees
the general health of all
the cats.
SFAS is currently run-
ning an adoption special.
The adoption cost for all
cats and kittens is $50.
And the organization is
looking for help.
"We are always looking
for more volunteers,"
Berke said. "We need
adoption counselors
because the more coun-
selors we have, the more
cats we can adopt out."
For more information,
call 941-485-2347 or visit
StFrancisArFl.org.

Real Local News in
The REAL Local Newspaper

Secure your savings,
both short-term and
long-term with our
limited time CD
Special today.

in business or finance.
Chase's parents are
David and Denise
Leonhard.
Seth Jones has been a
teacher for 15 years. Six
of those years were in
New York where he taught
middle school math
and science in addition
to high school special
education.
Since moving to
Florida, Jones has
instructed special
education students at

.C ......:g g .......cap ,
...... ., ; [; ,( ..... l: ..........

w..^.............g B;:* l:.... ......
S- R.c g
w u: g:

~: ::~~

Venice High School in a
variety of subject areas,
but most recently in
algebra and geometry.
Jones also coached the
junior varsity and varsity
boys soccer for seven
years and has been chair
of the special education
department for the past
eight years.
Jones has his master's
degree in special edu-
cation and is currently
working on a doctorate in
education leadership.

COURTESY PHOTO

ENGAGEMENT

Shetler-Havens

The engagement of Vita
Marie Shetler, of Venice,
to Joshua Blake Havens
has been announced.
The bride-elect is the
daughter of Daria Shetler
of Fort Myers and Mr. and
Mrs. Michael J. Shetler, of
Venice.

Vita is employed at
Veterinary Associates of
Jacaranda.
The bridegroom-to-
be is the son of Elayne
Havens and Frank
Chaknine, of Louisville,
Ky. He is employed with
JELD-WEN.

Palmer Ranch Travel
presents it's 12th Annual

Cruise & Expo Tour

Wednesday, Jan 9th, 2014
10 am to 2 pm at Our Office

Gulf of Mexico

C1Bank.com (877)266-2265

26 locations across Tampa Bay and Southwest Florida

I CIBank
Clients 1st. Community 1st.

MemberFDIC '

* Annual Percentage Yield (APY) is available only to clients with a new or existing C1 Bank Checking
Account. APY is current as of 12/15/2013 and applies only to the initial term of the CD. We may
change the interest rate and the APY at any time without notice. Minimum balance to open CD is
$5,000.00. Minimum balance requirement for CD is $5,000.00 to earn APY Minimum balance to
open a checking account is $100.00. Minimum balance requirements for checking account vary
depending on type of checking account opened. Significant penalties apply for early withdrawals to
CD. Penalties apply for early closing of checking account (less than 6 months). Fees could reduce
earnings on the accounts. All accounts subject to approval. Offer expires 1/31/14 and may be with-
drawn at any time.

PHOTOS BY FRAN VALENCIC
Venice Middle School student Mackenzie Reiss
shows off her terrific drawing of Marilyn Monroe
at the Venice Art Center. Mackenzie was one of
the youngest artists featured in the show. Her
work is on display until Jan. 10.

Above: Adele Stoffers celebrated her 100th birthday with friends and family
at Village on the Isle where she's lived since 1999. At her party were grand-
daughter Valerie Lance, daughter Harriet Stolfi and Art Lance. Adele, a retired
teacher, has four grandchildren, six great-grandchildren and four great-
great- grandchildren.

Below: Venice Concert Band Director Bill Millner signs an autograph for a fan.
The next concert is on Jan. 27 at the Venice Community Center. The $5 tickets
are available at the Community Center the afternoon of the concert. Visit
VeniceConcertGand.org

Ruth Showaker serves as the official greeter at the AAUW
Holiday Luncheon.

- W

Kathy Black, AAUW president, and Mary Green-
berg, program chair, thank the committee and I
guests for a terrific Holiday Luncheon.

I get to meet so many

Carol Brown and Ann Blasko were the first in line to purchase
their turtles at the Venice Art Center.

The greatest benefit of
being the social columnist
for the Venice Gondolier Sun
is meeting people. I recently
sat with Adele Stoffers at her
100th birthday party at Village
on the Isle for about an hour.
I enjoyed a second piece of
birthday cake with its luscious
whipped cream frosting.

Right: Lucky Paula
Choyhe takes home
the $50 money tree
from the AAUW
Holiday Luncheon.
The tree was one of
the silent auction
items.

As retired teachers, we
reminisced about former
students. When I decided to
leave, I thanked Adele for
inviting me to her party and
started to walk away. As I did,
I heard Adele say, "Who was
that lady? She was very nice
but who was she?" We all had
a good laugh. I came right
back and introduced myself.
Obviously, Adele didn't want
any party crashers at her
100th.

Lovely to look at
If you like touring homes,
mark Feb. 14 on your cal-
endar for the AAUW annual
home tour. All proceeds
provide scholarships, usually
around 12, for returning

KP H

college students to finish
their degrees.
Tickets are $20, available
at Venice Stationers and
Deborah's Quilt Basket on
Venice Avenue, Cardware on
Jacaranda and Center and
Ophelias in Nokomis. Call
Kathy for info at 941-488-5897
and visit aauw.net.

Shout out
The Venice Yacht Club's
Love and Cookies committee
packages about 300 boxes of
cookies for Hospice Families
in this community. This
annual event brings holiday
cheer to families whose loved
ones are in Hospice care.
Venice Yacht Club committee
members were Marlene

Daiyela Siderski and Deb Tidewell enjoy some turtle talk at the
Venice Art Center. Deb is a program director at Mote Marine.

Left: Kittel
Rodriguez
checks out the
gift baskets at
the American
Association
of University
Venice Chapter
Women's Holiday
Luncheon at the
Venice Yacht
Club.

Marge Saeger picks a turtle off the turtle board at the Venice
Art Center. Each $20 turtle purchase benefits Mote Marine. The
one-of-a-kind turtles are available until Jan. 10.

One of our best
The special person of this
week is David Yarzab. This
nice man was the general
manager of the Venice Yacht
Club and had the rare gift of
making everyone who came
to the Club feel like a guest.
Thanks to David's warm
smile and friendly greeting,
everyone felt welcome.
In spite of how busy he
was managing club business,
David always had time to
make sure this columnist

had all the information she
needed in covering an event.
He was always a gracious
host asking if I wanted a
drink. Since I had my ampu-
tation, he was often at my
side holding my plate at the
buffet even when I assured
him I was fine. "I know," he'd
say.
Like everyone else who
knew David, my heart is
broken at his passing. This
community and this colum-
nist have lost a gentle friend.
Rest in peace, David.

Fran Valencic is the Venice
Gondolier Sun's social
columnist and welcomes your
ideas and tips. Email her at
Fran Valencic@comcast. net.
Left: Benny
and Marcia
make sure table
arrangements
are in order
at the Love-
land Center's
Christmas
Barbecue at the
Venice Commu-
nity Center. The
long list of spon-
sors, committee
members and
participants
made the
event a rousing
success.

South Pacific spins a
romantic tale of love
and loss on a tropical
naval base during
World War II Two
couples fall in love
and their happiness is
threatened by the
realities of war and by
their own prejudices.
Now- February 15 $35-$5ss8

7IL IN THE OFF BROADWAY PALM
January 16- March 15
Nana's Naughty Knickers is a
S contemporary comedy about law
student, Bridget, and her sweet
grandmother, Sylvia. While
visiting for the summer, Bridget
discovers her grandmother's
/ secret business... illegally selling
Handmade lingerie to the mature
iPt/C and frisky. $29 $49

11

IESEN TS

CONCERTS
THE GREAT AMERICAN SONGBOOK
January 26, 2014 Twilight
January 27, 2014 Evening
THE DUPREES
February 10, 2014 Matinee and Evening
DWIGHT ICENHOWER'S TRIBUTE TO THE KING
March 2, 2014 Twilight
March 3, 2014 Matinee and Evening

The Legend of Hercules
PG-13 1 Intense Combat Action, Violence and
Some Sensuality.
In the epic origin story The Legend of Hercules,
Kellan Lutz stars as the mythical Greek hero the
son of Zeus, a half-god, half-man blessed with
extraordinary strength. Betrayed by his stepfather,
the King, and exiled and sold into slavery because of
a forbidden love, Hercules must use his formidable
powers to fight his way back to his rightful kingdom.
Through harrowing battles and gladiator-arena death
matches, Hercules embarks on a legendary odyssey to
overthrow the King and restore peace to the land.

MOVIES NOW PLAYING
Paranormal Activity: The Marked Ones -
Runtime: 1 hr. 24 min. I R I Pervasive Language,
Graphic Nudity, Some Drug Use and Some Violence.
The Paranormal Activity series grows with this fifth
entry from Paramount Pictures. After being "marked,";'
Jesse (Andrew Jacobs) begins to be pursued by mysterious
forces while his family and friends try to save him.
47 Ronin PG-13 1 Intense sequences
of violence, some disturbing images, intense
sequences of action and thematic elements.
Keanu Reeves makes an explosive return to
action-adventure in 47 Ronin. After a treacherous
warlord kills their master and banishes their kind, 47
leaderless samurai vow to seek vengeance and restore
honor to their people. Driven from their homes and
dispersed across the land, this band of Ronin must seek
the help of Kai (Reeves) a half-breed they once
rejected as they fight their way across a savage
world of mythic beasts, shape-shifting witchcraft and
wondrous terrors.
Grudge Match PG-131I sports action
violence, sexual content and language.
Pittsburgh boxers Billy"The Kid"McDonnen (Robert
De Niro) and Henry"Razor" Sharp (Sylvester Stallone)
shared a fierce rivalry back in the 1980s. Each had scored
a victory in two matches, but on the eve of their decisive
third bout, Henry suddenly announced his retirement,
effectively ending both boxers'careers. Thirty years later,
boxing promoter Dante Slate Jr. (Kevin Hart) makes Billy
and Henry an offer they can't refuse: Return to the ring
and settle the score once and for all.
Justin Bieber's Believe Runtime: 1 hr.
31 min. I PG I Brief language and mild thematic
material.
Behind the headlines, beyond the spotlight -
there's more to his story. Directed by Jon M. Chu (Never
Say Never, G.I. Joe: Retaliation) Justin Bieber's Believe
captures 19-year-old Justin Bieber unfiltered and
brutally honest. In brand new interviews with Bieber,
the movie reveals long-awaited answers to questions
about his passion to make music, relationships and
coming of age in the spotlight as well as never-
before-seen concert footage, unprecedented behind-
the-scenes access and special appearances.

Let's Go!

MOVIESGO

9.* -

The Secret Life 1 Se q
of Walter Mitty -.
Runtime: 1hr.54min. IPG I
Some crude comments, language and v
action violence.
Walter Mitty (Ben Stiller), an employee at Life
magazine, spends day after monotonous day
developing photos for the publication... -
To escape the tedium, Walter inhabits a
world of exciting daydreams in which he is the undeniable
hero. Walter fancies a fellow employee named
Cheryl (Kristen Wiig) and would love to date
her, but he feels unworthy. However, he gets -
a chance to have a real adventure when Life's "
new owners send him on a mission to
obtain the perfect photo for the final '
print issue. i
Anchorman 2: The Legend
Continues Runtime:
1 hr. 59 min. IRated PG-13 I
crude and sexual content, ,
drug use, language and __
comicviolence.
With the'70s behind him, San Diego's
top-rated newsman, Ron Burgundy
(Will Ferrell), returns to the news desk in '
"Anchorman 2: The Legend Continues." Also
back for more are Ron's co-anchor
and wife, Veronica Corningstone .,
(Christina Applegate), weather --
man BrickTamland (Steve Carell),
man on the street Brian Fantana (Paul Rudd)
and sports guy Champ Kind (David Koechner) all of
whom won't make it easy to stay classy... w
while taking the nation's first 24-hour news -
channel by storm.
Walking with Dinosaurs --
Runtime: not stated. I Rated PG for
creature action and peril and mild rude humor.
This family adventure story
centers on an underdog dinosaur P '
as it triumphs to become a hero for
the ages.
The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug -
Runtime: 2 hr. 40 min. I Rated PG-13 frightening
images and fantasy action violence.
Having survived the first part of their unsettling
journey, Bilbo Baggins (Martin Freeman) and his compan-
ions (lan McKellen, Richard Armitage) continue east. More
dangers await them, including the skin-changer Beorn
and the giant spiders of Milkwood. After escaping capture
by the dangerous Wood Elves, Bilbo and the dwarves
journey to Lake-town and, finally, to the Lonely Mountain,
where they face the greatest danger of all: the fearsome
dragon Smaug (Benedict Cumberbatch).
Tyler Perry's A Madea Christmas -
Runtime 1 hr. 45 min. I Rated PG-13 for crude
humor, sexual references and language.
Madea gets coaxed into helping a friend pay her
daughter a surprise visit in the country for Christmas, but
the biggest surprise is what they'll find when they arrive.
MOVIES 18

January 13, 2014
Eddie Metz Jr. Trio and Harry Allen

Cultural Center
Theater
2280 Aaron St,
Port Charlotte, FL

aa Non-member Tickets $20
ay Free to CCJS member with membership card

a Call the box office for tickets at 6254175
a L V C or purchase on concert night.

II |* There also is a free area where one can view
K IVM illuminated manuscript pages but there is
something serene about the Rococo library with
FROM PAGE 3 its blue and white color scheme, carved moldings
and gold trim. A study center with room for one
advance and only a few time periods available for million volumes is accessible by those with a
walk-ins, library or'user' card.
Felt boots that highly resemble those UGGs From the library we strolled through the
from Australia are provided for visitors to wear adjacent city garden and past the Goethe Garden
while in the Rococo area. house in the Park on the lIm River.

An American Craft Endeavors festival, which is
part of Howard Alan Events, is a different kind of
experience for the attendees.
At this weekend's 17th Annual Sullivan Street Craft
Festival in Punta Gorda, more than 100 crafters from
all over the country will be lining the street to present
their creations. The show contains many Florida-
based artists, and is always a highly attended event.
Megan McMahan, who works in operations for
Howard Alan Events, explained that the reason for
the public's continued interest is because their craft
shows offer a little something extra.
"For our art shows, the crafters have to hand-make
everything themselves," she said. "And they have to
appear at the show. At every booth, the crafter will be
there presenting their original work."
What that practice does is make the consumer's
purchasing process so much more personal. You want
to learn about a crafter's techniques or ask him or
her questions about their inspiration when creating
a particular piece? The artist who actually crafted the
item will be right there to talk to you, and even to
demonstrate how they work.
A wide selection of crafts will be presented at the

IF YOU GO "
WHAT: The Sullivan Street Craft Festival
WHEN: From 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Saturday, Jan. 11
and Sunday, Jan.12
WHERE: Sullivan Street, in downtown Punta Gorda.
INFO: Admission is free. Well-behaved, leashed dogs
are welcome to attend, and the event goes on, rain
or shine.
Sullivan Street Craft Festival, so if handmade crafts are
where your interest lies, you will not be disappointed.
You can expect to find works of art and crafts ranging
from $15 handmade silver jewelry, to life-sized
sculptures with prices in excess of $50,000. Each artist
and crafter is selected by Howard Alan Events through
the most discerning jury process, which McMahan
says ensures onlythe finest exhibits.
"We have brought in a lot of national artists, but
there are also many Florida-based artists," she said.
"This has been a very popular craft festival for us
over the years."
Since its inception, the Sullivan Street Craft
Festival has continued to grow and highlight the
talents of many unique crafters, providing the Punta
Gorda area with one of its most enjoyable traditions.
From jewelry, handbags and stained glass to organic
pet treats, furniture and photography, the festival

-HOT, P'OC D-
There will be around 100 crafters displaying their wares from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on
Saturday and Sunday, Jan. 11-12, at the Sullivan Street Craft Festival in Punta Gorda.

will truly have something to appeal to
everyone. And as a bonus, attendees get to wander
the streets of charming downtown Punta Gorda while
looking for their hand-crafted treasures.
The festival is from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday

Irish Concert benefit planned
Diego Caravan #255 of the Order of Alhambra is
presenting their annual Irish Concert at 3 p.m. on
Friday, Jan. 31, at the Englewood United Methodist
Church. It will feature Andy Cooney and his band,
comedian Noel V. Ginnity, Irish Step dancers, and
their Special Friends chorus. Funds derived from this
event help the organization continue their work with
the developmentally disabled in the community.
Tickets for the event are $20 and can be purchased by
calling 941- 473-2458 or 941-474-8843. They are also
available at the Englewood United Methodist Church

office during normal business hours. The church is at
700 E. Dearborn St., Englewood.

Trains for all at Englewood Elks
Vendors will be on hand with various scales of
trains, tracks, accessories and more for sale, as well
as a model train layout for kids of all ages to enjoy at
the Model Train Show and Sale presented by Regal
Railways. The event will take place from 10 a.m. to
2 p.m. on Saturday, Jan. 18, at the Elks Lodge, 401 N.
Indiana Ave., Englewood. Admission is $5 for adults.
Children 12 and under are free. Early bird admission is
from 9 a.m. to 10 a.m. For more information, call Joe
at 727-244-1341 or visit www.regalrailways.com.

Arts & Crafts Fair
Gulf Cove United Methodist Church will hold its
12th annual Arts & Crafts Fair from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
on Jan. 17 and 18. Art, photography, woodworking,
jewelry, quilting, ceramics, clothing, handbags and
more will be for sale. Beverages, snacks and lunch
will be available.
Vendors will be inside, on the porch and outside
the church. GCUMC is located at 1100 McCall Road
(State Road 776), just south of the Myakka River in
Port Charlotte.
For more information about the Arts & Crafts
Fair, call Barbara or Art at 941-697-1414 or visit
gulfcovechurch.com.

Punta Gordo, Port Charlofftte, North Port, Englewood & Venice
Blue Heron Pines:
A Natural Wonder
A hidden gem in Punta Gorda, Blue
m. Heron Pines offers an 18-hole, par 60 executive golf
course. With a length ofu3180 yards from the back tees
and 2362 yards from the forward tees it allows players
to get out and play in less time and aggravation than a
normal regulation size course. While easy enough to
Ra allwalk you also have the option of a pull cart or a
motorized cart. Blue Heron Pines is semi-private,
offering both memberships at very reasonable rates and
pay-as-you-go daily fees.
"It's a really great course with a lot of character,"
Said Matt Licata, Head Professional. "It may be a shorter course but you can definitely tell every hole apart.
They all have something unique to them and their surroundings."
The pro shop at Blue Heron Pines is fully stocked with several brands of apparel and equipment. They also
offer a full service snack bar with a varied menu. They have three beers on tap, Several different wines and
wine coolers, a soda fountain, and sports drinks. They have hot dogs, popcorn, personal pizzas, soft pretzels,
and several different hot specials ranging from meatball subs to pulled pork sandwiches.
Blue Heron Pines sits in the midst of a community by the same name. The community there is very close,
throwing community sponsored parties once a month with attendance of several hundred even in the off
season. It's a great place to live with people with a wide range of backgrounds and histories. The
community center is a 9,000 sq. ft. Building at the heart of the community that houses an exceptional arts
studio with kilns, billiards, and a large library to name a few. In addition to the golf course, the community
includes other activities such as shuffleboard, horse shoes, and an aqua range that utilizes floater golf balls.
Lessons are available at the golf course. Stop by and see them at 29201 S. Jones Loop Rd. or call the pro

. 7 ET S G OA OFCUS ES

January 8 14, 2014 EINI/C/V

EVENTS THIS WEEK GO

Visani presents'A Neil Diamond

Tribute Show' by Keith Allyn

SPECIAL TO THE SUN
In the mood for a good dinner and a great show?
Look no further than Visani's Tribute to Neil
Diamond show, starring Keith Allyn, who has
entertained audiences for more than 23 years.
At the tender age of 14, Allyn began his career in
stand-up comedy warming the crowd for such acts as
Robin Williams, Chris Rock and Tim Allen. At age 21, he
discovered his musical talents performing an Elvis song at
karaoke. The crowd went crazy and Allyn was hooked.
Soon he became an Elvis Tribute Artist performing
and competing as for several years. In 2004, he was
voted on by Graceland as being a top 10 Elvis Tribute
Artist in the World. Later wanting to impress a girl
who loved Neil Diamond, Keith called her on the
phone and in his best Neil voice sang her"Hello
Again"from the "Jazz Singer."
That became her song, she
became his wife and he
Became The Diamond
%5 Image.

Diana joins Keith in the show to sing "You
Don't Bring Me Flowers,";' Neil Diamond's duet with
Barbara Streisand and Neil's third and final No. 1
hit."Experience the Feel of Neil"in Keith's latest
80-minute, non-stop production that tells the story
of Neil Diamond's life through Diamond's own songs
from 1960 through today.
Singalong to favorites like "Cherry Cherry,"
"Cracklin' Rosie,""America,""Solitary Man,""Play
Me,""Love on the Rocks,""Song Sung Blue,""Sweet
Caroline"and many more.
Visani's"A Neil Diamond Tribute"starring Keith
Allyn is part of a complete dinner and show package.
Doors open for dinner and cocktails at 5 p.m., with
the show starting at 7:30 p.m. on Tuesday, Jan. 14.
Guests will enjoy a complete dinner including
beverage and dessert. The ticket price of $42 also
includes sales tax and gratuity.
For more information, visit the website www.
visani.net or call 941-629-9191.
Visani Restaurant is located
at 2400 Kings Highway,
'P rt Charlt ,:,L

Since early 18th century France,
the preferred audience accolade to urge on
additional musical performances following a
stirring individual or orchestral program.

Encores have reigned since the Charlotte
Symphony Orchestra began its 2013-2014
season under the direction of Maestro
Raffaele Ponti. Two sold-out concerts, seven
standing ovations, and wide critical acclaim
- and the BEST IS YET TO COME.

Don't miss this EXHILARATING evening, in
which the CSO partners with the Visual Arts
Center to blend music and art. Many of the
areas most talented artists will display their
paintings inspired by the music of Pictures
at an Exhibition.

MOVIES
FROM PAGE 5
As the small, rural town prepares for its annual Christmas
Jubilee, new secrets are revealed and old relationships are
tested while Madea dishes her own brand of Christmas
spirit to all.
Black Nativity Runtime: 1 hr. 35 min. I
Rated PG for thematic material, language and a
menacing situation.
Langston (Jacob Latimore), a Baltimore teen raised by
a single mother (Jennifer Hudson), travels to New York
City to spend the Christmas holiday with estranged
relatives, the Rev. Cornell Cobbs (Forest Whitaker) and
his wife, Aretha (Angela Bassett). However, Langston
soon finds that Cobbs has strict rules, and the youth
is unwilling to follow them. Instead, he sets out on a
return journey to his mother and finds the value of faith,
healing and family along the way.
Frozen Runtime not stated. I Rating not
stated.
In "Frozen/fearless optimist Anna (voice of 'Kristen
Bell') teams up with rugged mountain man Kristoff
(voice of 'Jonathan Groff') and his loyal reindeer Sven
in an epic journey, encountering Everest-like conditions,
mystical trolls and a hilarious snowman named Olaf in
a race to find Anna's sister Elsa (voice of Idina Menzel),
whose icy powers have trapped the kingdom of
Arendelle in eternal winter. Anna and Kristoff battle the
elements in a race to save the kingdom.
Homefront Runtime: 1 hr. 40 min. I Rated
R for strong violence, pervasive language, drug
content and brief sexuality.
Hoping to escape his troubled past, former DEA
agent Phil Broker (Jason Statham) moves to a seemingly
quiet backwater town in the bayou with his daughter.
However, he finds anything but quiet there, for the town
is riddled with an underbelly of drugs and violence.
When sociopathic druglord Gator Bodine (James Franco)
puts Broker and his young daughter in harm's way,
Broker is forced back into action to save her and their
new home. Based on a novel by Chuck Logan.
Delivery Man Runtime: 1 hr.45 mi. I
Rated PG-13 for thematic elements, sexual content,
some drug material, brief violence and language.
Amiable slacker David Wozniak (Vince Vaughn) drives

a delivery truck for his family's company and is content
with a life of mediocrity. However, when he learns that
he is the biological father of more than 500 offspring
and many of them are suing to learn his identity, he
decides to hold himself accountable for his actions. He
finds some of his progeny and becomes involved in their
lives; however, when David's girlfriend announces her
pregnancy, she keeps her expectations low.
Hunger Games: Catching Fire Runtime:
2 hr. 26 min. I Rated PG-13 for intense sequences
of violence and action, some frightening images,
thematic elements, a suggestive situation and
language.
"The Hunger Games: Catching Fire" begins as Katniss
Everdeen has returned home safe after winning the 74th
Annual Hunger Games along with fellow tribute Peeta
Mellark. Winning means that they must turn around
and leave their family and close friends, embarking on
a "Victor's Tour" of the districts. Along the way Katniss
senses that a rebellion is simmering, but the Capitol is
still very much in control as President Snow prepares
the 75th Annual Hunger Games (The Quarter Quell) a
competition that could change Panem forever.
Thor: The Dark World Runtime: 1 hr.
51 min. I Rated PG-13 for some suggestive
content and intense Sci-Fi Action/Violence.
Marvel's"Thor: The Dark World"continues the
big-screen adventures of Thor, the Mighty Avenger, as
he battles to save Earth and all the Nine Realms from a
shadowy enemy that predates the universe itself In the
aftermath of Marvel's "Thor"and "Marvel's The Avengers;'
Thor fights to restore order across the cosmos... but
an ancient race led by the vengeful Malekith returns to
plunge the universe back into darkness.
Not all movies will be available in your area, and there
are more movies showing at local theaters than those
listed. Please check your local theater for listings and
showtimes. Information provided by Fandango.
Regal Town Center Stadium16 Port
Charlotte, 1441 Tamiami Trail, in the Town Center Mall.
Phone: 941-623-0111.
Frank Theatres Galleria Stadium 12, 2111 S.
Tamiami Trail, Venice. Phone: 941-408-9237.
AMC Sarasota 12 8201 S. Tamiami Trail, Sara-
sota, in the Sarasota Square Mall. Phone: 941-922-4900.
Regal Cinemas Hollywood Stadium 20 -
1993 Main St., Sarasota. Phone: 941-365-2000.

In 1'":4 Crai, and Lea Culver alone vwilth Craig
parent; G:eorge anid lhith, opened ithe very fir;tl
Culver's in the family's hometown of Sauk City, Wis.
Since the initial Culver's franchise was opened in
1990, the company has expanded to more than
450 family-owned restaurants across
19 states and it is still growing.
The reason forthe rapid expansion is simple -
people love Culver's. Steve Buchmeier, who is the
operating partner of the new Port Charlotte franchise,
which just opened up on Dec. 9,2013, says fans of the
restaurant seek it out wherever they travel.
"Since the first day Culver's was started in
1984, it has been brought up on the ingredients
of fresh, quality food," he said. "When you come
in, your food doesn't start cooking until you place
your order."
Buchmeier describes the theme of the
restaurant as "fast, casual,"
but tihouqh yOu do q aelt
your food rather A m

quickly. the quality ,f i[he f:,:j is ri niit your
typical fasq-t f:cd fare TWo ,Of [he sipinature
items if Ciulver's are their ButtlerBurqers
anij their Fr::r ii l;,ardi;
Our BulltterBurger is made with
fresh beef, which has never been frozen,"
Buchmeier said. "It's called the 'ButterBurger'
because the roll is lightly buttered and toasted.
The other staple of our menu would have to be our
fresh, frozen custard each day, we have vanilla,
chocolate and the 'flavor of the day.'"
The"flavor of the day" could be anything from
Chunky Peanut Butter Dream to Chocolate Caramel
Twist, and it is made daily in the restaurant. The
possibilities of what it could be each day are
practically limitless there are currently
95 flavors on the list. In the lobby of the restaurant
is a cooler that holds about two dozen different
flavors in pint containers to take home.
In addition to the burgers, there are melts and
sandwiches, soups and
Salads, and

Culver's, a Wisconsin-based restaurant chain, opened up its Port
Charlotte location on Dec. 9.
At right: Steve Buchmeier is the operating partner
of the new Culver's of Port Charlotte.

even dinner items like fried chicken, chop steak, pot
roast, butterfly shrimp and North Atlantic cod. And
what would a Wisconsin-based restaurant chain be
without Wisconsin Cheese Curds on the menu?
For the uninitiated, Buchmeier explained that
cheese curds, a uniquely Wisconsin delicacy, are formed
as a by-product of the cheese-making process.

rThis
is just
one of many
burgers Culver's offers.
Visit www.culvers.com
for more on their menu.

"In the cheese-making process, what's left inside
the vat is scraped into little balls of white and
cheddar cheese," he said. "Then we lightly bread it
and fry it."
Though Culver's doesn't offer a breakfast
menu, they are open from 10:30 a.m. to 10 p.m.,
seven days a week. Buchmeier said that so far, he
has been very pleased with the Port Charlotte
(o:nimunity's embracing of some of
the best food items the dairy state
ha ;to offer.
We've stayed really busy, and it's
exceeded our expectations," he
said. "We have something for
everyone here, and we're much
more than just a burger joint."
Culver's Port Charlotte is at 385 Kings
HiQh miay For more information, or to see a copy of
the menu or flavor of the day," visit the Facebook
page or elitee at www.culvers.com/restaurants/
por,,r-(harlole-fl, or call 941-627-2600.

Culver's mascot Scoopy took a tour of popular
Charlotte County spots prior to the new
restaurant's opening.

MARINA REfTAURANT TAVERN

. .

NON OPE

VENICE'S
WATERFRONT
LANDMARK
SINCE 1976.

TAEN NERANMN

pHR -AT ARL

Let's Go!

JGO EVENTS THIS WEEK

World famous shows

at the Englewood Elks

By CHRIS KOURAPIS
SUN CORRESPONDENT
Remember The Platters and all those dreamy,
slow-dancing hits of the 1950s and '60s?
This amazing vocal group travels widely,
performing unique harmonies that include:
"OnlyYou," "The Great Pretender," "My Prayer,"
"Twilight Time," and a host of memorable
melodies. The Platters may be based in Branson,
Mo., but Southwest Floridians don't have to
travel anywhere to enjoy "Golden Oldies," as the
World Famous Platters will be performing this
Sunday in a special, one-night-only show at the
Englewood Elks.
Dinner and show starts at 5:30 p.m. and
costs $30, or only the show for $20.
This event is only one of manythat
Englewood Elks Lodge #2378 Entertainment
Committee co-chairs Don Holmes and Jack
Donevan have scheduled for the 2013-14
season.
Ever heard of The Fabulous Hubcaps? They are
a Doo-Wop, Rock to Pop to Country band that will
be coming to town on Saturday, Jan. 25.
What began 39 years ago as Harvey Hubcap
and the Do Ron Ron, evolved into the Fabulous
Hubcaps, one of the most sought after oldies
show bands. Dedicated to keeping rock 'n'roll
alive and well, this seven-piece group will be
performing at the Englewood Elks at 5 p.m.
This event, and others are $20 with optional
dinner for $10. Great weekly entertainment and

special events include:
A Country Legends Show starring Keith
Coleman in "Tribute to Johnny Cash" on Feb. 1.
*"Down Memory Lane with Patsy Cline" by
Lisa Layne takes place on February 22.
"British Legends Show" returns on March 1.
"A Tribute to George Strait" by award-win-
ning performers Gordy & Debbie Wensel will
present Strait's Country Music on March 15.
Brian Gurl will pay tribute to Barry Manilow,
Billy Joel, and the Beatles on March 29.
"Here's to the Diva's & Dames" will be
presented by Cabaret singer and comedienne,
Marcy Downey, on April 5.
"Motown Rock & Roll Revue" byJohnnie
Alston, formerly of "The Drifters," invites
everyone to dance the night away on April 19.
Weekly regular entertainment includes
dining, dancing, trivia night, bingo, holiday
parties and special events yet to be announced.
All shows and events are open to the public in
a smoke-free environment, and gift certificates
are available for family and friends who enjoy
popular local, regional, and national perform-
ers. Proceeds benefit scholarship programs,
drug-awareness programs, veterans'services,

the Florida Youth Camp, and the Florida
Elks Children's Therapy Services.
The Benevolent and
Protective Order of Elks
National Foundation, with
nearly a million members, .
donates millions to charity is '
each year. According to l
Englewood Elks secretary
Judy Abbott, the chapter
currently stands at 1,372
members. "Lodge #2378
supports many charities,
including the Florida
Youth camp," she said.
"The Camp never turns
away underprivileged or
disabled children and is
available to all, not just
children of Elks."
The Englewood Elks
Lodge is located at
401 N. Indiana Ave.
For ticket reservations, guaranteed
seating, and entree selection call 941-474-1404
between 9 a.m. and noon.

One of the nation's most sought after show bands "The
Hubcaps"will perform at the Englewood Elks Lodge on Jan. 25.
Left to right: Danny Cook, Dean Andrews, Don Mark, Michael
Shipley, Barry Holober, Tommy Dildy and Lorraine Allen.

8

A Free Admission

< e Located on Sullivan Street in Punta Gorda, FL.
:! i J Take 1-75 to Exit 164 at US-17. Head west on US-17
0A

".. and go approximately one mile to Sullivan Street.
' t For more information call
813-962-0388 or 561-746-6615
I

January 11th & 12th, 2014
Saturday & Sunday 9 1 Oamn-5pmn

1, Free Admission
C.2 Located on Sullivan Street in Punta Gorda, FL.
Take 1-75 to Exit 164 at US-i17. Head west on US- 17
and go approximately one mile to Sullivan Street.
For more information call
813-962-0388 or 561-746-6615
IL-

January 8 14, 2014 EINI/C/V

EVENTS THIS WEEK GO

I Banjo queen swings through for three local concerts

SPECIAL TO THE SUN
With sold-out concerts in both Englewood and
Sarasota in previous years, spectacular banjoist
and vocalist Cynthia Sayer returns by popular
demand for three area shows this month.
Cynthia Sayer's Hot Jazz Trio will perform at
7:30 p.m. on Saturday, Jan. 11, at The Lemon Bay
Playhouse, 96 W. Dearborn St., Englewood.
Advance tickets are $18 and reservations
strongly recommended by calling 941-475-6756.
Contemporary, edgy and soulful, Sayer
breaks all the banjo player stereotypes as she

single-handedly brings the four-string banjo to
the forefront of jazz. Celebrated as the top four-
string banjoist in the world today and praised for
her"drive and virtuosity" by The New York Times,
Cynthia is a founding member of Woody Allen's
New Orleans Jazz Band with whom she played
and toured for over 10 years.
Her solo career has taken her well beyond
these New Orleans roots as a dynamic performer,
instrumentalist and vocalist, and whose
eclectic, swing-based shows embody the rarely
heard range and versatility of the four-string
jazz banjo.
Sayer tours worldwide, and has played with
many leading jazz, popular and roots artists,
including Bucky Pizzarelli, Dick Hyman, Wynton
Marsalis, Marvin Hamlisch, John McEuen (Nitty
Gritty Dirt Band), Charlie Giordano (Bruce

Springsteen's E Street Band), Andy Statman, Tony
Trischka, and others.
She was recently featured in the premiere jazz
publication, Downbeat Magazine, and appeared
on the popular NPR show"Piano Jazz." Sayer
also performed on ABC TV's nationally broadcast
"World News Now,"as well as the TV and radio
show, "Woodsongs Old Time Radio Hour."
Her much-anticipated new album, Joyride, is
receiving rave reviews. Tickets are now on sale for
her three shows in Southwest Florida.
Cynthia Sayer's Hot Jazz Trio will also perform
at 8 p.m. on Saturday, Jan. 18, and at 2 p.m. on
Sunday, Jan. 19, at The Glenridge Performing Arts
Center, 7333 Scotland Way, Sarasota.
Advance tickets for these shows are $20 and
reservations are also strongly recommended. To
make reservations, call 941-552-5325.

Annua

Sa

rasota Jewish Food Festival is back at Temple Sinai

PROVIDED BY TEMPLE SINAI
The 6th Annual Sarasota Jewish Food
Festival at Temple Sinai will be from
9 a.m. to 3p.m. Sunday, Jan. 12.
Start with bagels and a schmear
and move right into all the traditional
comfort foods like brisket, corned beef
and cabbage rolls. Or maybe blintzes,
knishes or matzoh ball soup would entice
you. Experience a blast from the past or
experience some new taste treats. A large
selection of delectable baked goods will
also be available.
Admission is free, and this event takes
place rain or shine. Visitors may eat-in or
carry-out.
New this year is a partnership with
All Faiths Food Bank and guests are

I UPCOMING EVENT
PUNTA GORDA
Charlotte Symphony Orchestra
teams up with arts center
The Charlotte Symphony Orchestra will perform
Mussorgsky's"Pictures at an Exhibition"under the
baton of Maestro Raffaele Ponti Sunday, Jan. 12, at
the Charlotte Performing Arts Center, 701 Carmalita
St., Punta Gorda.
In an exciting collaboration between the Orchestra
and Punta Gorda's Visual Arts Center, concertgoers will
also have the opportunity to enjoy an exhibition of art
work by 10 of the VAC's leading artists. The doors to CPAC
will open at 6 p.m., with participating artists on hand to

encouraged to bring a canned good or
nonperishable donation, as the commu-
nity has a great need for this and the food
bank members work tirelesslyto help
meet it.
This year's event is sponsored in part
bythe Jewish Federation, Right at Home,
Furniture Warehouse and Graphic Jam
at the Gold level. Silver level supporters
are Autumn of Sarasota and Lauren Rudd
International. Media partnerships include,
SRQ Media and WSRQ talk radio which will
be doing an on-site live broadcast.
Be the Match, bone marrow registry
will have a booth seeking individuals who
are willing to have their cheek swabbed.
Inspiration for the booth came from mem-
bers who have a 14-year-old relative with

Acute Childhood Leukemia. Ninety-five
percent of the children diagnosed with
this disease respond to chemotherapy,
but sadly, Ben has not. It is critical that a
match be found and he has not matched
any of the 10 million people already in the
registry.
The day includes a Health Fair with
displays from numerous health-related
companies, as well as a used book sale,
and many craft and art vendors. Temple
Sinai is located at 4631 S. Lockwood Ridge
Road, Sarasota.

talk with audience members before the show and during
intermission. A free pre-concert lecture at 6:30 p.m. will
also feature some of the artists. Participating artists will
also speak at Maestro Ponti's"Behind the Notes"talk at
FGCU's Renaissance Academythat will be held from
2 p.m. to 4 p.m. on Thursday, Jan. 9. Following the
concert, the exhibition will move to the offices of the
Charlotte Symphony Orchestra at 6210 Scott St., Punta
Gorda. The works will be on display from Jan. 14 to
Feb. 18. The artists participating in the exhibition are
Barbara Albin, Brenda Berdnik, Joy Carol, Thelma Daida,
Liz Hutchinson-Sperry, Sue Krasny, David Petty, Thalia St.
Lewis, Roxie Vetter and BeverlyYankwitt.
For more information, call 941-205-5996 or visit
www.charlottesymphony.com.

Ted Zalewski
Ted Zalewski presents his highly acclaimed portrayal of
Teddy Roosevelt. Mind, Body and Spirit, which he has
brought to audiences in 35 states across America.

Tuesday, March 18th

Gregg Hurwitz
N.Y. Times .7,

expert.
Best-sere wllng be a book signing and sale
of his books after the event courtesy ofor,

**
BComic Book ooks

TICKETS for each event: Members $40 / Non-members $45
Writer, and

To purchase tike ts contact: Je i Ma rsee, Friends, 424 West Henry St., Punta Gorda 33950. 941-613-9048
expert.
There will be a book signing and sale
of his books after the event courtesy of
oppefish
Books

TICKETS for each event: Members $40 / Non-members $45
To purchase tickets contact: Jerri Marsee, Friends, 424 West Henry St., Punta Gorda 33950. 941-613-9048
jmarsee@comcast.net Make checks payable to Friends, Punta Gorda Library, with a notation of speaker's
name. There are no refunds for these programs. For more information on presenters, check their websites.

Let's Go!

Let's Go!

iry 8 14, 2014 EINIC/V

SUN PHOTOS BY PETER ARATARI

Dan Ruthuen. BrendaMason,
Bender Robert Smith with Pa a night of drinks and conversation
n ad ason who went out for a n ih PtCharlotte.
among friends at Portofino WaterfrontD.i

Dennis and Charlene West with Helene and Stephen Brang at a son and I
mother lunch at the Old Worlde Restaurant and Lounge in North Port.

I -- ...

Gene and Alia Kazimiarovich and Mark
Alexander on vacation from Ohio enjoying a
day at the beach in Englewood.

Venice Community Concert Series 2013-2014

A three-time Dove Award
winner, Ginny Owens has sold
nearly one million albums.
Atop performer on the Christian radio
charts, Owens' music has impacted
mainstream audiences at Lilith Fair,
the Sundance Film Festival and the
White House. Born and raised in
Jackson, MS, Owens was discovering
melodies on the piano almost before
she could complete a sentence. Songs
began to emerge from her fingers as
the vision began to leave her eyes.
Despite her physical challenge,
songs provide a window into a world
Owens can't see and an outlet for her
to express her thoughts and dreams.

By DEBBIE FLESSNER
SUN CORRESPONDENT
The Cultural Center of Charlotte County was created
to enrich the lives of Charlotte County residents and
visitors by offering educational, recreational, and
social and fitness activities.
With an eight-acre campus, featuring a 500+seat
theater and a 7,200 square foot conference center,
they can accommodate seminars, banquets and
gatherings of any size for the local community. But
it takes funds for maintain a facility of this size, and
the Center relies on volunteers, donations and the
support of their neighbors to thrive.
One of the primary fundraisers of the year is the
annual show presented by Cul-Cen Productions, a compa-
nythat is made up of a group of dedicated and talented
volunteers. This year's show, running at 7 p.m. forthree
days, Jan. 16-18, is entitled "A Tribute to Broadway II,"
and musical director Jim Reuter says this production
promises to be just as popular as the previous one.

Patty
McCarty,
Eulala
Goodwin,
John Pappa
and Renaye
Graddy will
appear in
"Grease.":'

Some of the cast from the Cul-Cen Productions of "A Tribute
to Broadway II' with musical director Jim Reuter at top
center in back row.

"Cul-Cen was started about 30 years ago, as a
means to raise funds for the Cultural Center," he said.
"Last year, we had three shows and we sold out every
concert."
The 2014 "Tribute to Broadway" will include
numbers from "Fiddler on the Roof," "The Wizard of
Oz" and "Grease." Reuter said that because of the age

of most of the Cul-Cen performers, some
of song lyrics from "Grease," which is abo it a Qr:oup
of high school friends, have been changed aro:unrid
just a bit.
"In our production, this is the 35th reunion of:r
Riddell High School," he said. "We're doing four ;oriq,
from 'Grease' with different dialogue."

7he casino gambling tables are
only by Casino Party Nights Florida
and proceeds go to thie Murdock

14
c [d ly oli dd lo,

^aL^-T^ I^ Rot;u.i: Clulb Fnundi',rill. Ini'.

Let's Go!

January 8 14, 2014 E/N/C/V

It's a e
rock concert!

'V
I.

Come and join us!

Bring no
=items fo:
Salvation
Sets you
J- featuringj

r WEEKLYMAGAZINE

PRESENTS THE
FIRST ANNUAL

n-perishable food
r donation to The
n Army. Each item
t a ticket for the raffle,
g awesome prizes!

I a

I-IF
'40,
^ J^< -

THE TIME: Noon Saturday, January 11,2014
THE PLACE: The Fishery Restaurant in Placida
For full details or to register for the fishing tournament, go to

SUN NEWSPAPERS

DOING THE I
MOST GOOD

FISHING imS
rPublrix
I D.O. SStE~e
^^ ^^^/l~, -j^^^^^^^^^^

A.

ReelShark
Charters

BoatingAndFishing.com

WAbu
Garcia f
57wah" 'ke^tau e-

Uff

LICK-EM-LURES

" Ar tl
X,-a u ER,
RES TAURAM r
,ft

Let's Go!

900 ET
.' .., ll..- ""

iWkcl'
tfl-

16 Let's Go!

GO ,,,~~
GROl THINGS TO DO

Roller Derby is more than a show

El '. January 8 14,2014

By DEBBIE FLESSNER
SUN CORRESPONDENT
Remember that Roller Derby show you used to
watch on TV in the 70s? Sorry to break it to you -
that wasn't real.
Much like "professional" wrestling was back in the
day, the stunts on that show were all scripted, even
though the actors in both shows were undeniably
athletes.
Todaythere are still roller derby teams around, but
these are genuine. When the "bouts" are held, bones
could be broken and blood may be spilled, but if you ask
any of the competitors, they will tell you it is all worth it.
The North River Rolling Renegades is a Sarasota/
Manatee-based team that competes all around the
state of Florida. Jamie Tyler, known on the team as
"Con EB Good/says that they just completed their
first full season.

"We had 10 bouts last season, between February
and September," she said. "We have two nights a
week practice, and occasionally, we do a trail skate
outdoors for endurance. That's whythis is a good way
to maintain physical fitness."
Connie "K-Oss" lachetta says that the basic rules of
a roller derby bout are pretty simple there are five
women on each team.
"You have four blockers and one jammer per
team," she said. "The object of the sport is for the
blockers not to let the jammers score. The jammers
get a point per skater that they pass, and there are
two halves, each lasting 30 minutes."
On this level, roller derby skaters do not get paid, so
these women do it for the love of the sport. That also
means that most of them have actual careers outside
of the roller rink. Besides the names of the skaters -
Trace Evidence, Ima Problem, Evel Diva, Nikki Stric-9
and more one of the most fascinating aspects of
this team is the double life that many of them lead.
When they're not banging on the track, Rockabilly
Red is a dual-enrollment coordinator at State College
of Florida and Con EB Good is an attorney. But when
they're with the team, they are sisters.
"I love the girls,"Tyler said. "I1 grew up in Pensacola
and when I moved here, I didn't really know anyone,
and my mom also did this when I was younger. It's
great to have this fitness outlet."
lachetta is pretty quiet when she's off the track,
but once she laces up those skates, it's game on.
"For me, it brings out another side of me," she
said. "I don't like crowds, but when I'm here, I don't
mind it. This is a sisterhood we're all very close."

If you're a fan of witty dialogue and romantic
comedy, you'll want to join Janet and Josh on the
Bay Area Rapid Transit (BART), an 80-minute ride
from San Francisco's International Airport to their
last stop in East Bay.
"2 Across," by Jerry Mayer, will be performed
from Jan. 10-18 at the Charlotte Players Langdon
Playhouse.
Mayer, a Playwright and TV script writer ("All in
the Family" and "The Facts of Life") writes about
real people building relationships while solving

life's puzzles. Janet, an uptight, mace-packing
psychologist, is less than thrilled when Josh, an
unkempt, free-spirited out-of-work actor, boards
late and asks her to move from his "lucky seat."
He's Jewish; she's Catholic. Both use entirely
different strategies when solving New York Times
crossword puzzles. They're unlikely to be headed for
romance or are they?
New Zealand-born Artistic Director, lan Bisset,
has worked as a Port Charlotte Players' stage
manager, actor, and director for more than 10 years.
In 2013 he directed the radio play "It's a Wonderful
Life" and acted as Butch in "Leading Ladies."
"After reading the first 10 pages of"2 Across,";'

I fell in love with the play," said Bisset. "I love that
it's all about conversation and that both characters
are outspoken. One is afraid of making mistakes,
while the other is not afraid to take chances. The
fact that the action takes place on a train makes
perfect sense."
Bisset both directs and acts as Josh in "2 Across."
Jenni Elliott, who plays Janet, recently relocated to
Port Charlotte from Australia. Australians and New
Zealanders often disagree, and when Elliott audi-
tioned for the part of Janet, Bisset, good-naturedly
reminded her that she was lucky to get the part.
Elliott and Bisset act as antagonists who become
possible lovers in the play.
A former Director of Marketing in Australia,
Elliott is no stranger to the stage. She's acted in
community theaters in Australia and was thrilled to
discover the nearby Port Charlotte Players, Venice
Theater, and Lemon Bay Playhouse.

"My husband and I moved to Port Charlotte
for the golf," she explained, "and we never
expected to find so many community theaters and
orchestras here."
Elliott's husband, Rick Stannard, recently joined
the Venice Concert Band as a trombonist.
The Langdon Playhouse is located in the
Charlotte Players Community Theater Center,
1182 Market Circle, Port Charlotte. "2 Acrossfa
comedy of crosswords and romance, is playing at
7:30 p.m., Jan. 10-11 and Jan. 16-18, and at 2 p.m.
on Sunday, Jan. 12. Adult tickets cost $15. Student
tickets are $8. Tickets are available online at www.
CharlottePlayers.org or by phone at 941-625-4175,
ext. 220.
Future plays at the Langdon Playhouse include
"Same Time Next Year" by Bernard Slade on Feb. 7-9
and Feb. 13-15; and "Drinking Habits" by Tom Smith
on April 3-5 and April 10-12.

restaurant

S1flpressellers.com 209 W Olympia, Punta Gorda 331W

PHOTOS BY CHRIS KOURAPIS
Two unlikely companions, Janet (Jenni Elliott) and Josh (Ian Bisset) discuss strategies about
solving crossword puzzles in "2 Across."The play is being performed starting Friday, Jan. 10, at
the Langdon Playhouse in Port Charlotte. It runs through Jan. 18.

BROADWAY
FROM PAGE 14

music were sent to their northern homes so they
could practice on their own before they came back
to Charlotte County. Videotapes demonstrating the
show's choreography were even made and sent to
the performers.
By the time Fall came around, and everyone was
back together again, the frequency of the rehearsals
was increased.
"I think they (the performers) do an awesome job
with it," Reuter said. "It's really a big commitment, and
the drummer, and guitar, bass and saxophone players,
have to be at practice just as much as the singers."

Lunch Served Monday Thru Thursday
From 11:OOAM-2:30PM

Bingo:
Sunday from 1:00pm to 5:00pm Ka
Refreshments And Food Available P1
From Menu. Open to the public, re
Please come and enjoy our facility, and if you want to
join the best organization in the country we can help you
to become a member of the Benevolent and Protective
Order of Elks of the United States of America.

In addition to the three highlighted musicals,
the group will also perform songs from "The Music
Man," "Carousel," "Camelot," and other much-loved
Broadway shows. Reuter says that for the Cul-Cen
performers, this production is a way for them to
show their love for the Cultural Center, "the place
that friendship built."
"This is a group of volunteers that comes out here,"
he said. "They range in age from 14to somewhere in
the 70s, and they enjoy singing and putting on this
show to raise moneyfor the Cultural Center."
"A Tribute to Broadway I"takes place at 7 p.m.
on Thursday, Jan. 16, Friday, Jan. 17, and Saturday,
Jan. 18, at The Charlotte Cultural Center, 2280 Aaron
St., Port Charlotte. Advance tickets are $12. For more
information, visit www.theculturalcenter.com, or call
941-625-4175.

I& "S Saturday is Wings and Hot Dogs from 12:00-2:00PM
'7Z Dinner Served Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday & A
Saturday From 5:OOPM-8:OOPM; Regular Menus Apply
Reservations Requested
MEMBERS AND GUESTS ARE ALWAYS WELCOME"
Banquet Hall is available to members and non-members for private parties.

..........

Let's Go!

FA&-

Eo lv-'. January 8 14,201ii

G O LIVE MUSIC

PROVIDED BY THE
SOUTH COUNTY JAZZ CLUB
The Jim Wellen Quintet, with special guest
Chris Brown, salutes the music of legendary jazz
singer Lee Wiley with a concert from 2 p.m. to
4 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 9, at the Venice Art
Center, 390 Nokomis Ave., Venice. Presented
by the South County Jazz Club, admission to
the concert is $5 for members and $10 for
non-members.
Tenor sax player Wellen and vocalist Brown
will be accompanied by Dick Reynolds on piano,
Dave Trefethen, bass, and Johnny Moore, drums.
One of the great jazz vocalists of all time, Lee
Wiley performed through the'40s,'50s and '60s.
She did prodigious recordings of standards by
George Gershwin, Cole Porter, Rogers & Hart
and others.
She interpreted them in her uniquely intimate
way, invariably backed by small combos of
first-rate musicians, such as Bud Freeman, Fats
Waller, Billy Butterfield and her two RCA albums,
"West of the Moon"(1956) and"A Touch of Blues"
(1957), are standouts. Lee Wiley effectively
stepped out of the limelight in the 1960s, except
for a brief appearance at the 1972 New York Jazz
Festival. She merited greater fame than was
accorded her in her lifetime and since.

PHOTO PROVIDED

The Jim Wellen Quintet, with special guest Chris
Brown, salutes the music of legendary jazz
singer Lee Wiley with a concert from 2 p.m. to
4 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 9, at the Venice Art Center,
390 Nokomis Ave., Venice.

Concert salutes

music of legendary jazz

singer Lee Wiley

Rachmaninoff, Ysaye, Janacek and Previn.
Both concerts will begin at 7:30 p.m.
Tickets are S25-S45 per person.
Established in 1996, the concert series
runs through June. There are six classical
concerts including the Zing concert
mentioned, four in the Pops series and two
others, considered Special concerts, plus
three Lunch, Look and Listen" concerts.
Special events include The Dave Bennett
Quartet performing popular favorites such
as "Moonglow,""Stompin' at the Savoy,"
and "Just a Closer Walk with Thee," at 2 and
7:30 p.m. Jan. 26 at the Beatrice Friedman
Symphony Center, 709 North Tamiami
Trail. Sarasota.
Mary Wilson, soprano, and Jason
Ferrante, tenor, with Lee Dougherty
Ross, piano, performing, lassicalsois,..
popular operatice:iiii 1 iUliLi

Want to Pb ay Arouwb?
Join us January 11, 2014 at SUNYBREEZE GOLF COURSE for

Sarasota may have more theaters per
capital than New York City, but it also ranks
high as a music mecca and not just of
opera and jazz.
Violinist Augustin Hadelich and pianist
Joyce Yang open the Artist Concert Series
Saturday and Sunday with "Zing Went
the Strings" on stage in the Historic Asolo
Theater atThe Ringling, 5401 Bay Shore
Road, Sarasota. According to a series
release, Yang, 27, came to international
attention in 2005 when she won the
silver medal at the 12th Van Cliburn
International Piano Competition where
she was the youngest contestant.
...Hadelich debuted last season with the
Ijth ]ori t Tanglewood and

Artist Concert Series

opens in Sarasota

Punta Gorda Harborside
amiami Trail Punta Gorde
941.637.6770

Let's Go!

January 8 14, 2014 EINI/C/V

AT THE THEATER GO

'Boeing Boeing'takes flight in Venice

PROVIDED BY THE VENICE THEATRE
Venice Theatre's upcoming MainStage comedy
is the '60s French farce "Boeing Boeing"by Marc
Camoletti.
The perfor-
mance features
a swinging
bachelor named
Bernard, who has
three fiancees:
one Italian, one
German, and
one American.
All three are
beautiful
airline hostesses
with frequent
layovers. He
keeps"one up,
one downand -
one pending"--
until unexpected
schedule changes
bring all of
the women to
Bernard's Paris
apartment at the
same time. His
college friend
Robert, visiting
from Wisconsin,
and housekeeper
Berthe are The whole cast is pictured her.
charged with Myroup as Bernard, Kristofer (
helping him Artim as Berthe. Seated: Taral
avoid disaster. DeCecco as Gloria and Alison P
According to
the Guinness Book of Records, "Boeing Boeing" is "the
most performed French playthroughout the world!'
French and British audiences have loved "Boeing
Boeing"since it was first produced in 1962. The show ran
in London for seven years and 2,000 performances.

e.
ie
ih
rN

In Paris, it ran for 19 years. For whatever reason,
American theater-goers have taken longer to get the
joke. Broadway's first shot at"Boeing Boeing"didn't
take off. In 1965 it closed after only 23 performances.
The movie, star-
ring big-name
stars Jerry Lewis
and Tony Curtis,
was no first-class
hit either. Given
30-plus years
,l and an updated
Translation by
Beverley Cross
die and Francis
l Evans, American
audiences finally
S decided to jump
on board.
BTherecent
Broadway pro-
clcinof this
.i. f ie classic bedroom
Scarce won the
2008 Tony Award
for"Best Revival
of a Play!'
Audiences
flocked to see
it and The New
York Times
PHOTOS PROVIDED gave it a stellar
Standing: Ronald Krine review. Critic Ben
?ddie as Robert and Candace Bra ntley raved,
Hart as Gabriella, Arianna "(Boeing Boeing)
Duty as Gretchen. levitates low
burlesque into
high comedy ... It's deliciously, deliriously innocent."
Murray Chase directs an experienced cast featuring
Ronald Krine Myroup in the starring role. Kristofer
Geddie plays the best friend. The housekeeper is played
by Candace Artim. Bernard's fiances are played by

Alison Prouty (the German one), Arianna DeCecco (the
American) and Tarah Hart (the Italian).
"Boeing Boeing"opens Tuesday, Jan. 14, and
runs through Sunday, Feb. 2. Performances are at
8 p.m. Tuesday through Saturdays and 2 p.m. on
Sunday. Tickets are $25-$28 for adults, $10-$15 for
students, and are on sale now at the theatre's box
office, online at www.venicestage.com or by phone at
941-488-1115.
The Venice Theatre is located at 140 W. Tampa Ave.,
Venice. Box office hours are from 10 a.m. to
5 p.m. Mondaythrough Fridayand one hour before
all performances.

Allison Prouty, Arianna DeCecco and Tarah Hart
play 1960s airline hostesses from Germany, the
United States and Italy respectively, in Venice
Theatre's production of"Boeing Boeing."

Register to WIN a 14 Day Denali Explorer Vacation Package when you attend
one of our Free, No Pressure Travel Shows! No reservations necessary.

Your trash is artist's treasure

By KIM COOL
FEATURES EDITOR
Installation art is becoming synonymous with the
Sarasota Museum of Art/SMOA, a division of Ringling
College of Art and Design.
Following on the heels of the museum's street-side
installation of a fantasy castle of twigs by Irish artist
Patrick Dougherty, will be a colorful creation by Lisa
Hoke inside the historic Sarasota High School on
U.S. 41, just south of the intersection of Mound
(U.S. 41) and U.S. 301.
Area residents were invited to drop off their
colorful cereal boxes, cardboard beverage containers,
gilded gift boxes, produce boxes and more this fall
for Hoke to use in her current installation in the old
school building with strange blue window coverings.
Except for the windows and the twig castle in
its front yard, the high school looks like so many
1920s-era high schools that dotted the country from
Pennsylvania and Ohio to Missouri and even in
this case Florida.
Hoke, who lives in New York City, has become
known for her monumental works made entirely

North Port Concert Band
presents 'Reel Music'
Hollywood has produced some great
film music over the years, and the
North Port Concert Band will bring it
all to you on the evening of Jan. 22
with "Reel Music." Legendary movie
music of the past and present will be
included in this collage of the silver
screen's best.
The concert begins at 7:30 p.m. at
the North Port Performing Arts Center,
located on the North Port High School
campus at 6400 W. Price Blvd., North
Port.
Highlights of the concert include
North Port's own concert pianist, PHOTO PROVIDED
Gail Klebanoff, performing the Rachael Uneberg and Francisco Madrigal
"Warsaw Concerto"from the 1941 film of the Dance Team and Beyond are part
"Dangerous Moonlight,"and soprano of the "Reel Music" concert featuring the
Kimberly Campos singing "Somewhere North Port Concert Band on Jan. 22 at the
Over The Rainbow"from the 1938 North Port Performing Arts Center.
classic "The Wizard Of Oz." Professional
dancers Rachael and Francisco from The Dance Team and Beyond of Sarasota will
return to the stage in a swing dance performance to Glenn Miller's "In The Mood," and
"It Had To Be You"from the 1989 romantic comedy"When Harry Met Sally."The band is
conducted by Dennis Silkebakken.
Tickets are $12 for adults and $5 for students, and may be ordered online at www.
northportconcertband.org or by calling the NPPAC box office at 941-426-8479 or
toll-free, 866-406-7722, from 10 a.m. and Ip.m. Monday through Friday. Tickets
may also be purchased in person weekdays at the box office, which is located at the
Performing Arts Center.

Let's Go!

EVENTS THIS WEEK GO

PROVIDED BY THE ALLIANCE FOR THE ARTS
The 2014 Bruce T. Gora Sunset Concerts kicks off on
Sunday, Jan. 12, when The David Mayfield Parade returns to
the Alliance for the Arts'amphitheater stage.
The high energy indie folk rock band has performed
with bands like Mumford and Sons and The Avett Brothers.
The outdoor concert begins at 5 p.m., gates open at 4 p.m.
Guests are encouraged to bring their own coolers, lawn
chairs and blankets to enjoy a picnic on the amphitheater
lawn. Alliance member pre-sale tickets are $15 and are
available now. Tickets are $20 at the gate.
The David Mayfield Parade's newest album"Good Man
Down"features eclectic, cinematic songs that stir up images
of the old West and urban cityscapes. It was produced
following a successful Kickstarter campaign that more
than doubled the initial goal of $18,000. With a successful
crowd funding campaign raising expectations, Mayfield felt
it was time to take chances musically and delve into more

PHOTO PROVIDED
The David Mayfield Parade Returns to the Alliance
for the Arts on Sunday, Jan. 12.

adventurous production while tapping into his bluegrass
roots. "Good Man Down"features notable guests Seth Avett,
Mayfield's bluegrass hero Doyle Lawson & Quicksilver, and
country star Dierks Bentley who duets with Mayfield on
Marty Stuart's "Tempted."
To purchase tickets, or for more information, call
239-939-2787 or buy online at www.ArtlnLee.org.
The next Bruce T. Gora concert is Sunday, March 9 when
Minnesota-based Davina &the Vagabonds return for their
third appearance on the Alliance amphitheater stage.
The Alliance for the Arts supports artists and arts organi-
zations in the area. The galleries are open to the publicfrom
9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday-Friday and from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. on
Saturday, located at 10091 McGregor Blvd., Fort Myers.

TREASURE
FROM PAGE 20
"We're reinventing a historic structure that's
central to the experience Sarasotans have of their
community,";' Sturkis said in the release. "At the same
time, we're connecting Sarasota with the larger arts
community around the nation. The ARTmuse program
attracts world-renowned artists and is helping to put
us on the art world map while we are a museum in
the making. It's very exciting'."
The colorful installation will be open for viewing
Jan. 15 through Feb. 5 at the museum, which will be
the city's"first art museum devoted to modern and

contemporary art."
Listed on the National Register of Historic Places,
the building will offer some 60,000 square feet of
exhibition space, a 110-seat auditorium, sculpture
court, cafe, classrooms and studios. Of the $22
million needed for the museum conversion, nearly
$17 million is in hand, according to a recent release.
The Ringling College of Art and Design is one of
the country's leading art schools, offering bachelor
degrees in fine arts and a BA in the business of art
and design.
Hoke's installation work offers the public good
opportunityfora glimpse of what will come. For
more information, call Sturkis at 941-309-7662 or
visit SarasotaMuseumOfArt.org.

PHOTO PROVIDED BY THE SARASOTA MUSEUM OF ART
Artist Lisa Hoke with one of her giant installations made from scrap packaging.

By CHRIS KOURAPIS
SUN CORRESPONDENT
Joy Welling, lead vocalist for "Joy and the Gang"
loves singing, dancing, and above all, interacting with
her fans.
Her Gang
consists of four
accomplished
musicians
and their very
supportive wives.
"We are like
family. Mike
Hovencamp,
Jerry Kecken,
Don Reichert,
and Eric Stockley
and I love
performing -
and not just for
our own egos,"
she explains with
an impish grin.
"If you combine
all our years
of performing,
you'll have
a pot full.
Classic Country,
Motown, or rock
'n'roll-we do
it all."
Lead guitarist, Joy and the Gang play Classic, (
Lead gui the back row are Jerry Kecken,
Mike, played guitar and banjo. In the front
professionally in guitar and vocals; Joy Welling,
NY, NJ, and PA rhythm guitar and vocals.
before moving
to Florida where he now teaches guitar in the Port
Charlotte area. Although his wife, Pat, works full
time, she supports all the Gang's functions with her
presence.
Drummer, Jerry, the owner of Creative Business
Ideas in Port Charlotte, studied piano and percussion.
He plays a classic Rogers Londoner Drum Set XP-8. His

Co
,di
rot
,le
c
14

wife, Meredith, cheerfully hosts the Gang's weekly
rehearsals in their home.
Rhythm guitarist/vocalist, Don, played in garage
bands as a youngster before becoming employed in
the New Jersey
Green Street
P Recording Studio.
He's the clown
of the act whose
antics keep
J audiences in
stitches. Don's
wife, Annette,
keeps track of
pictures and arti-
cles in the Gang's
scrapbook.
Bass guitarist
and banjo
player, Eric, works
for the Port
Charlotte Health
Department as
a specialty con-
sultant for folks
at risk. He played
five-string banjo
with the Up the
Creek Bluegrass
Band before
PHOTO PROVIDED joining the Gang.
His wife, Melody,
country and Rock Oldies. In maintains their
drums, and Eric Stockley, bass webpage: www.
)w are Mike Hovencamp, lead joyandthegang.
ead vocals; and Don Reichert, joy n
com.

Joy, a Florida
Cracker (native Floridian) has been musical all her life.
She sang in choral groups and served as a youth choir
director before forming her own bands in Ohio and
Florida. The Gang's extensive song list can be viewed
on their website, but it's important to note that this
active and energetic group sings and plays to their
GANG|123

El'-. January 8 14,2014

P-A

- m

Tom Lovasko lives in Port Charlotte
and is originally from Whiting, Ind.
He is a retired newspaper advertising
manager, a singer/songwriter and music 1
collector. Upbeat focuses on pop and rock
music ofthe 1960s, 1970s and 1980s.

Top of Billboard Chart on Jan. 8

'60s
1961 -"Are You Lonesome Tonight?" by Elvis Presley
1968 "We Can Work It Out" by the Beatles

'70s
1971 -"My Sweet Lord" by George Harrison
1979 "Too Much Heaven" by the Bee Gees

Yo:u may kno:Aw either the title o:r melody, maybe both.
but there have been numerous pop r:ck insliirumentals Perhaps it was Duane Eddy and Rebel
Ro:user. along with Santlo: and Jo:hnny with Sleepwalk, that paved the way The Venturfes
became legendary inslitrumientalists with tunes suci(h as Walk. Don't Run and Hawai-Five-O
but :so did Boo::ker T & the MG's with Green On1ions Best '60s one-hit w,:ordless w:ionders includde
The Toi:rnado:es' Telstar. Mason Williamis' (lassical Gas and surfing tunes suci(h as Wipeo:ut
(iSrfalais). Pipeline ((hantaysiand Penetrat:ion (Pyramiiids)
Herb Alpert & the Tlijuana Brass had mIany group hits such as The Lonely Bull in 1969.
and then Herb had solo: success with Rise in 1979 The'70s featured: other surprises H:,cus
Po:cus by Focus which included something resembling yo:deling Mike Oldheld's Tubular
Bells ( The Exo:rcist film theme). Pick utip the Pieces by the Average White Band. Edgar Winter
Group's Frankenstein and TSOP i The Sotind of Philadelphia) by MSFB
Even legendary y classic rock ar tists have includided instrumental gems ion albums
The Beatles Flying. Led Zeppelin's Mo:by Dick, the Allman Bro:thers' Jessica and
Sparks by The Who Ciream drummer Ginger Baker was featured: on the lengthy Toad while
guitars take the lead :on Van Halen's Erupti:ion. Stevie Ray Vaughn's Little Wing and (arl:os
Santana's Samba Pa Ti

Last week, this musical trivia question was asked: Simon & Garfunkel's
hit 1968 souindtrack to the him "The Graduate" included whidich popular song
based on Anne Bancroft's seductive dicharacter?
Answer: "Mrs. Robinson:"The first reader to get it right was

Jerry Trojan of Punta Gorda.

THIS WEEK'S QUESTION: "What song is it you want to hear?" is the intro
to a classic Lynyrd Skynyrd song, played for over 14 minutes on their
live 1976 "One More From the Road" album. What is it?

If you think you have the right answer, email it to upbeata'sun-herald.com no later
than noon this Friday, and we'll publish your name as the winner with the correct
answer in next week's issue of Let's Go! Please include your name and city.

GANG
FROM PAGE 22
immediate audience.
"We don't have a signature song,"
said Joy. "We like to interact with the

audience and each other, and no two
performances are ever the same."
Joy, often labeled a "blonde
energizer bunny," encourages audience
participation.
"I use a cordless mike and sing and
dance with fans during a show. During

Brothers back for a month-long stand this
March in NewYork.
Going over these highlights, all I said
was,"They sure are keeping you busy."
That's when Gregg took the opportunity
to set me straight.
"These days, when you say'they'you
mean'me,'" he said, in kind of a low growl
that actually sounded kind of bluesy over
the phone. A little like John Lee Hooker.
At this point in his career, Allman
insists on calling the shots. At 65, with
nearly 50 years in the business, he figures
he's earned it.
That's consistent with the thoughts he
put down in his 2012 autobiography,"My
Cross to Bear,"which is the basis forthe
upcoming movie. The book covers Allman's
life, his early bands, the formation and rise
.f the Allman Brothers Band, the death of
hi brotr:her Duane, the rock superstardom
of the 1']Os, his marriage to Cher (and
o:n,oe :,hers), the rough trip through
the I',:: his battles with narcotics and
al,:ohol the renewed success of the Allman
Brother; Band, his complex relationship
vvith one o :f its founding members Dickey
Bets his children, and the health problems
that riearIy killed him.
uregl account of it is all there, and
taI.iri control of his life is a big part of
,hat; h enabled him to keep going.
"That's the way everyone wants
it at first, but it doesn't happen
that way,";' he explained.
"After a while, you get
control, that's the way it
should be."
Now, he's got a good lineup
with the Allman Brothers Band,

special dance events, contestants compete
in twist and conga competitions. People
need to get awayfrom their troubles to
relax and enjoy themselves, and our music
allows them to let the world go away, even
if it's just for a little while," she said.
Some of the Gang's popular tunes

GREGG ALLMAN'S YEAR
All My Friends: Celebrating the Songs and Voice of Gregg Allman, Friday at
the Fox Theater, Atlanta, Ga. Jackson Browne, Vince Gill, Widespread Panic See the
whole lineup at celebrategreggallman.com.
Midnight Rider: The Gregg Allman Story. A feature film based on "My Cross to Bear"
by Greg Allman and Alan Light (William Morrow, 2012), now being shot at Savannah
College of Art and Design. Tyson Ritter, singer with the All American Rejects and also an
actor, has been cast as young Gregg and Wyatt Russell as Duane. Google their photos
and see what you think.
AlIlman Brothers Band at the Beacon. Celebrating their 45th anniversary, the
Rock and Roll Hall of Fame band will play 10 shows beginning March 7 during their
annual residency at the Beacon Theater in NewYork City. Expect lots of guest stars. The
group will also release two live albums and a DVD in 2014, according to Rolling Stone.

which gathers every year for a month of
shows in New York, a few other dates and a
couple of camp-out festivals, including the
popular Wanee Fest in Live Oak. The rest of
the year, Gregg plays with his own hand-
picked band and jams with old friends
when the opportunity presents itself.
One of those times will come this week,
when guys like Jackson Browne, Taj Mahal,
Dr. John, Trace Adkins and many others
gather at the Fox Theater for a tribute. The
AlIlman Brothers Band will also perform.This
is something Gregg didn't plan himself.
"A bunch of my buds got together and
dreamed it up, I guess,"Allman said of the
show. "It should be a good one."
He said he wants to do an album of
all-original songs this year, and recently
wrote a song with saxophonist Mindi
Abair for her upcoming album. He talked
about getting readyto record another
album with producer T-Bone Burnett, the
"other half"of his 2011 hit record Low
Country, a collection of blues classics.
"We were going to do that in
December, but I have so damn much on
my plate ..."he said.

include "Blue Suede Shoes,""Under the
Boardwalk," and "Girls Just Want to
Have Fun."
Upcoming performances for Joy
and the Gang are on their website.
From 5:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m., Friday,
Jan. 10, they'll be at the Moose Lodge

The Gregg Allman Band consists of Scott
Sharrard, guitar; Ben Stivers, keyboards;
Steve Potts, drums; Jay Collins, horns; Ron
Johnson, bass; Marc Quinones, percussion.
He loves his home in Savannah, but
he was looking forward to coming to
Sarasota.
"I have a lot of good friends there. It's
good to get back and play for them,";' he
said. "I like to fish there's good fishing
there, also."
That sounds cool. I wouldn't mind go-
ing out looking for some snook or redfish
with Gregg Allman. I guess if Gregg wants
to load up his plate, that's what he's going
to do. If he wants to go fishing, well he's
earned that, too.
At the time of press, there was "a
slim chance that last minute tickets will
be available." Check for last-minute
ticket releases at circussarasota.org or call
941-355-9805.
The showtime is 7 p.m. today (Jan. 8)
at Sailor Circus Arena, 2075 Bahia Vista St.,
Sarasota. Tickets range from $35 to $45.
Opening acts include Devon Allman Band
and the Greg Billings Band.

in Pine Island. From 7 p.m. to 10 p.m.
on Friday, Jan. 17, they will play at the
American Legion in Port Charlotte.
To book Joy and the Gang for
dance, party, dinner, meeting, social
gathering or holiday events, call Joy at
941-661-4915.

OPEN HOUSE

Sat, Jlanuary 11 Ith

8-12pm
*k *Photo ID Required for Non-Members

NO JOINER FEE!
Sign up to receive a |
t-shirt and Register to
WIN a Spin Bike!

CHARLOTTE HARBOR BEER TASTING
20 different Craft Beers available to sample!
10 Craft Beers on ICE COLD DRAFT!
Buy Craft Beer by the Sample or by the Bottle!
Craft Beer from all over the U.S. and Europe!

PORT CHARLOTTE 3BD/2BA home. Completely
updated from the floors to the light fixtures. Tile
floors throughout. New kitchen with stainless
appliances. New AC system. Near shopping and
schools. Call John Webb (941) 916-0034

More Great

Listings!

SAIL BOATWATER: Boat lovers here is your
chance to be on sailboat water just a few
minutes to Charlotte Harbor with "NO" fixed
bridges of any kind. Built in 2005 this
beautiful 2108 sq. ft. 3 BR has a lot to offer.
Priced at $219,000
Call John Webb 765-318-0940

BANK OWNED ONLY $24,900!
Cute 1 Bedroom 1 bath Condo. Just been
repainted and has new flooring. Don't let the
third floor location put you off. There is an
Elevator. Great location, close to everything.
Come and see it today.
Call Carol Burke, 941-284-0250 for Details.

1 BEAUTIFUL SALT WAIER CANAL HOME
I ld iiill :l l,,, I : Lhl ;1 ;,h l
Large lanai and pool area overlooking the
saltwater canal. To top it off this home is NOT
IN A FLOOD ZONE!!! Priced at $269,900
Call John Webb (941) 916-0034

JACARANDA TRACE
Extraordinary 5th floor condo! Over 2000 sq. ft. of
well designed living area with closet systems in
every closet that are a dream I Flexible living area
could be 3B3R Den or Master bedroom with
adjacent office/sitting room. Huge laundry room
easily accommodates craft/sewing room. Newly
carpeted & freshly painted. 55+ community offers
security & variety of services. Optional Luxury
Club Membership available. -
MLS#N5782665 $189,900

PRIME FOR DEVELOPMENT
Includes 2 additional parcels,
totals approximately 26 Acres.
Excellent location near and just
south of Stoneybrook and
Venetian Falls. Project to rezone
for an estimated 34 Single Family
Home Sites and 48Townhomes.
Entitlement team assembled and
estimated cost for rezoning is
available.
MLS #A3985518

PRIME LOCATION
:OR RESORT DEVELOPMENT
In desirable LaVacama area
N/NW of Bavaro Beach
Resorts & Uvero Alto.
Current access via
country road with new
boulevard to be extended with
planned road to beach. Owner
will considerTRADE, JV or
SELLER FINANCING.
MLS #3931975

SPECTACULAR GULF OF MEXICO VIEWS AND UNIQUELY
DESIGNED SINGLE FAMILY RESIDENCE
blend harmoniously to create a relaxing waterfront lifestyle.
Welcome to desirable north Siesta Key and the historic
Ralph Twitchell neighborhood.This one-half plus acre
property offers over 4300 square feet, 5 bedrooms, 5 baths,
seawall and serene gulf views from the main living, dining
and deck areas. Vaulted ceiling and fireplace in cozy living
room with spiral staircase to loft. Distinctively designed with
separate quarters offering privacy for family and guests.
Finishes include wood and tile floors, whirlpool tub and
granite countertops. Enjoy serene sunsets and captivating
twilight views of Lido Key across Big Pass. Ideally located
near quaint Siesta Village, Siesta Key Beach and the north
bridge for easy access to downtown Sarasota.
113 Big Pass Lane

Sotheby's International Realty and the Sotheby's International Realty logo are registered service marks used with permission Each office is independently owned and operated Equal Housing Opportunity 12 19 2013

Sotheby's International Realty and the Sotheby's International Realty logo are registered service marks used with permission Each office is independently owned and operated Equal Housing Opportunity 12 19 2013

There has never been a better time to experience one of
Venice's best walkable neighborhoods. New 1,813 square
foot 2 bedroom/den/2.5 bath townhomes with private 2-car
garage, courtyards and balconies. Maintenance-free and ultra
convenient, with the security of all new coastal construction.
For preview appointments & information:
941-735-4525
info@lslandCourtVenice.com
437 Nokomis Avenue Venice, FL 34285
Sgarg IslandCourtVenice.com

Michael Saunders & Company.
Licensed Real Estate Broker
Oral representations cannot be relied upon as correctly stating representations of the developer.
For correct representations, make reference to this brochure and to the documents required by
section 718.503, Florida statutes, to be furnished by a developer to a buyer or lessee.

LESS THAN 500 FEET TO THE GULF
3BD plus den/3BA/2CG Heated pool and spa
with both solar and heat pump. Oversized lot
88'x153'. Beautiful landscaping. Newer A/C
system and some appliances.
Priced at $684,900.

STILLWATER GATED COMMUNITY
Located in newer gated community of Stillwater.
3 BD plus den/2BA/3 Car garage, heated pool/
spa. Lakeviews from almost every room. Lots of
new since 2010, oversized paver driveway.
Priced at $379,900

I ENGLEWOOD
BAYFRONT
2/2 condo just minutes
to the beach. This is the
lowest priced Bayfront
condo in Charlotte and
Sarasota counties.
Owners have just ..
installed new stainless
Steel appliances. Well
run complex with strong
Reserves. $237,500

Monday, Jan 6,2014. Page 3 .Welcome Home

Ai-i-UKIUABLt Luxury Pool nome directly
on the Golf course in Bobcat Trail Golf &
Country Club with view of the lake Home is
situated at the 10th & 11th hole Upgraded
Kitchen features Solid surface counters w/

SPACIOUS 4BD, 3BATH in-ground poo
home with 2 lots included, could be a
perfect home for an in-law situation or
family needing 2 separate living areas

3bath, 2 car garage home has the
perfect set up for 2 families needing

9 ACRE NORTH PORT
ESTATE HOME! 3/2
$374,700

6 1/2 ACRE
CUSTOM LOG CABIN 3/2
HOME IS COMPLETELY TILED $424,700
throughout Open Floorplan has Large
living rm & Dining area, 28 foot OAK FORREST CONDO! 2/2
enclose Florida room 2 extra building
lots to the rinht of the home for sale as $54.900

ver Beautifully updated New kitchen cabinets
m counter tops, appliances and light fixtures All
and I doors have been replaced Updated tile
*throughout home New bathroom vanity, mirror

Monday, Jan 6,2014. Page 4 .Welcome Home

r ,/

Uy

WAY1S11 OR 053 0 .
VERY PRIVATE
& quiet home with heated pool.
Siding is new and new roof in 2005.
Tile throughout.
$139,900
Courtesy of Joe Giraldi

3 BEDROOM, 2 BATH,
Open floor plan with 1444 sq. ft. Large
kitchen and french doors lead to a very
large lanai overlooking a lush fenced
backyard. 1 year warranty included.
$133,400
Courtesy of Cecile Lansiquot

THE HOME IS A TENBUSCH built
model, split floor plan w/cathedral
ceilings & eat in kitchen. Master bedroom
I ,1 plenty of natural light w/huge
i. closet, dual sinks in bath, w/
shower. Guest wing could also be used as
a second master.
$149,900
Courtesy of Linda Senmnler

~LVLW a- -' -

WATERFRONT COMMUNITY TOTALLY RENOVATED In 2012 And
of South Gulf Cove with access to the bay Move In Ready With New Roof, New
and gulf. Choose your colors and
oorplan. Completed and furnished model Kitchen, Stainless Steel Appliances And
home is available for viewing locally. More. 3 Bedrooms & 2 Baths. $139,900
$274,900 Courtesy Of Linda Semmler.
Courtesy of Joe Giraldi

BEAUTIFUL WELL MAINTAINED
HOUSE on oversized corner lot in quiet
neighborhood. Home close to the new
Cocoplum shopping area. $130,000
Courtesy of Al Reeves.

NEED SPACE!? Here it is! This handsome
4 bed two bath house just needs some
work to be ready for it's new owner!
Enjoy privacy as you i ..... i j
Kitchen features twc t 11.. ..1. i i ,
of space!!! $199,000
Courtesy of Kari Wilbanks

PERFECT FOR FIRST TIME BUYERS
OR INVESTORS.
New blinds and lanai was recently
re screened. Very tranquil & peaceful
backyard setting. $120,000
Courtesy of Norma O'Connor

2 BR & 1 AND A HALF BATHS CONDO SPACIOUS 3 Bedroom, 2 Bath home w/
in a community with pool and tennis separate Office space ? ..
courts. Inside laundry and walk in pantry, c I 1 I ,. .... i i.. i
$48,000 1 i ,, i ,, , PC i .,, ,, .
Courtesy of Cecile Lansiquot Home is located on ,
TWO storage sheds Iocat d in ti e back
yad. $129,900
Courtesy of Ceil Waltner

WELL MAINTAINED HOME
with 2 bedrooms and 2 baths on a double
lot. $99,900 Courtesy of Larry Smith
$99,900
Courtesy of Larry Smith

LOVELY HOME in SouthVenice being sold
fully furnished & "as is" wright to inspect.
2BD/2BA, 2 garage. Split bedroom layout, a
large screened in lanai & private pool.
Now's your chance to own in a wonderful
community at a great price!
$162,500 KimVogel 413.221.4261

the least expense. Call me and ask how I can do this.
Property management is not just collecting rent.
If you are trying to sell your property and in the current
market you are not able to sell for the price you need at
this time, perhaps you should consider renting! You may
be able to cover your costs and perhaps even make a
profit! If you are interested in learning more about our
company and what we can do for you,
please call me at 941-266-3797

Deep Creek Lakefront Home!
S I ,h ,, I ,h I I, h I I, II view
I I. over-
sized lot on the end of a short private cul-de-sac street Sit and
enjoy the serene view as well as all the birds & wildlife that frolic
im th 1-l-r' Prid- -f ownership shows with numerous
i, .1 i i i from forapooll
It,' "*,'. ', Reduced to $189,900

Deep Creek Lot
Build your dream home on this beautiful oversized key
lotf Freshwater canal & greenbelt view Located on a
quiet cul-de-sac street so very private, yet close to shop-
ping, restaurants & 175 Deed restricted w/water &
sewer This lot is within Scrub Jay Review area per the
United States Fish & Wildlife Service
MLS#C7045227 $30,000

Port Charlotte Home
Must see-super clean home impeccable move in condition
Meticulously maintained 3BR, 2BA home built in 2004 with county
water & sewer Sohlidly built w/the E-wall system (super insulated,
solid poured concrete walls) designed to withstand wind speeds in
excess of250 mphl Located on a quiet street, yet minutes to shopping,
banks & restaurants, the YMCA & the LibraryI

Burnt Store Lakes Lot
Affordable fantastic oversized vacant lot located in the growing deed
restricted community of Burnt Store Lakes Quiet neighborhood with
public water & sewer There is also canoe/kayak launch to Charlotte
Harbor and park & picnic area for residents Great time to build your
dream home & hlive the Honda lifestyle Conveniently located near
Burnt Store Manna & Golfw/27 holes of challenging golf
MLS# C7046920 $17,900

Monday, Jan 6,2014. Page 12 .Welcome Home

NOW PLATINUM
WITH REALTY

H With Even More Global Connections In Over 90 Different Countries.
World Class Customer Service & Experience International
& National For Over 25 Years.

IfI dd~ M11150 ..1 =

If you'd like to know how much your home would list for,
give me a call 941.441.7073 or visit www.ElkesHomeValue.com

2/2 condo with a peek a
boo view of the Gulf. Low
fees, listed at $199,000

NOKOMIS LAKEFRONT VENICE, VENETIA
Gorgeous Pool home on a large lake Gorgeous pool home loaded with
and green preserve! 3/2/2 for only upgrades on a private lot with nice views
$329,000 of water and green preserve.
$449,000

2008, 2009, 2010,2011 & 2012 Top Producer
Multiple times awarded as a FIVE STAR AGENT,
best in customer satisfaction, Sarasota Magazine

SHORT SALE TWO BEDROOM 3 bath home located in
Overbrook Gardens. Close to Manasota Beach, shopping in
Englewood or Venice, restaurants etc. Most of interior has
been freshly painted. Single car garage is oversized.
MLS#N5780722 $94,900
Call Roxie Larain 941-468-6101

VeniceHomeChannel Som.
Selling Your Home?
SRON BOZENA SUPONCIC January Special
Listing Offer 7
p- The FloridaHomeChannelIom Team Call for details We |
can put thousands
E f mYears Real Estate Experience more in your pocket!
I][ RESMAX broker in
Find out how our listing programs can put thousands more in your pocketD the State of Flonrda
=lix Se :t Bes I a Estate t i as=ota Ia ,in

STHE TEAMDRon and Bozena SuponcicDa husband and wife team Dare seasoned real estate
}1 -. f professionalsDtop producersDand local experts in VeniceDNokomisDand OspreyDFIoridaDFor
DDDD Ron and Bozena are now DD time winners of the Five Star Best Real Estate Agent
Award in Sarasota Magazine Dselected by and awarded for outstanding service to their
customersDHere is a note from one of their recent customersD

"We placed our home for sale with Ron and BozenaEit was an excellent experience They
attended to every detail in the home sale process with the utmost professionalism The
marketing was amazing[ihe communication was always extremely attentive andtimely We received the
best reallistate adviceEhelp and assistance from beginning to end and would highly recommended Ron and
Bozena to anyone in the market to sell their homeVe felt that we made the right choice and they definitely
made a tough process as simple andpain free aspossibleE7 Charles and Joleyn McClemens
SELLERS]Ron and Bozena offer effective[]cost saving listing programs that can put thousands of extra dollars into a
seller's pocket[]You get hard working Ddriven agents Dexpert negotiating skillsom years in the business plus Internet and
international marketing experience Da multi lingual team and national and international listing exposure only available from
REEMAXDthe most recognized real estate brand in the world[]Ron and Bozena are listing experts who can sell your home and
put more money in your pocketlso call them before you list your home
BUYERS ]Whether it's a dream home new home Dor investment property[]Ron and Bozena are committed to providing you
with the highest quality buyer service[]When buying real estate you deserve to work with an experienced hard workingE
award winning team that knows Venice []Sarasota []Palmer Ranch []Osprey []Siesta Key and Lakewood Ranch[]Ron and
Bozena excel at customer service and their focus is on creating an enjoyable productive experience for all their customersE
Ron and Bozena are new construction experts with hundreds of new homes sold[]They can show you all the new home

OUTSTANDING VALUE in one of the few 3br/3bath homes
in Overbrook Gardens. Optional HOA fee of only $50/yr
includes a private Gulf access boat ramp which is only 15
minutes from the Lemon Bay Intracoastal Waterway
Short sale Call Jim $175,000

941.468.5215 CharrylYouman@bhhsfloridarealty.net
Warren Buffet liked us so much, he made us part of his family.
Promise to treat you like family, too.
Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Florida Realty
1500 East Venice Avenue, Suite 103, Jenice, FL 34292
A member of the franchise system of BHH Affiliates, LLC
www.SearchForVenice.com
Monday, Jan 6,2014. Page 17 .Welcome Home

VEN ICE

I VEN ICE

VEN ICE

In Venice Since 1970

GAE STEWAR'

GRI, CRS, IRES g

IDEAL SITUATED FOR
SPECTACULAR SUNSETS
Enjoy the Gulf view from your
lazyboy. Fabulous 2BR, 2 BT condo
that is beautifully furnished and only
steps to sand between your toes.
Unit is very light and bright. Lots of
upgrades. This could be your
PIECE OF PARADISE! $335,000

HOMEOWNER'S CHECKLIST
In order to make a wise decision, potential buyers will need some
S\ basic information about your home. To assist them, gather the
\following information before you put your home on the market.
II^ / I-5 A copy f the warranty deed and insurance title papers.
o] Property plat.
QMortgage papers.
E] A list of appliances and fixtures to be sold with the house.
[E] A list of annual property taxes & other assessments.
5] A list of home improvements which have added to the value of your home.
E]l A list of local schools, churches and recreational facilities.
|E Manufacturer's manuals and service information for appliances & home systems.
El An information sheet giving room sizes & other pertinent details about the house.
'^ ^^ 41 For more details or for a copy of our magazine, f become
'_* ^R please call 941-207-1222 or visit us online at: / /
lll 1^ iL ~ www.welcome-home.com _,,me llI,,

NORTH PORT 3/2/2 HOME with lanai
Fake a look at this one built in 2007 Approx
1684 sq ft under air Close in proximity to I
75 Split floor plan with formal living and
lining rooms Listed at $139,900 MILS
7050586 Call Shirley Bear to see this home

VENICE ISLAND
JettyVillas condo is a resort-style
beachfront complex in a truly
unique setting. With 2 bedroom
suites, an open kitchen/great room
w/cathedral ceiling & high angled
windows this unit has been totally
renovated & features the largest
deck spaces in the complex.
Turnkey. $449,000

COMING SOON!
Luxurious gated country estate home
on 5 amazing Lakefront acres. This
very large, very upscale, 6 bedroom
5 bath 5000+ square foot pool
home is custom in every way.
Available in 20141

pStunning South Gulf Cove home! Special features abound
in this custom built pool home. It is situated nicely on a
saltwater canal with access to the Myakka River, Charlotte
Harbor and The Gulf of Mexico. The exterior offers the
ultimate in curb appeal, an inground pool with heated spa,
separate hot tub, a 2 story screened cage with lanai on
lower level and a balcony. 3 bedroom, 3 baths, concrete

Cal boatift Cicua driewy andc 941lumned6 2 toyfrn
dock with concrete pilings, concrete seawall, and 10,000 lb.
boatlift. Circular driveway and columned 2 story front
porch welcomes you with the lush landscaping and the his
and her garages. Architectural details inside and outside
this beautiful home will delight you. Winding open stair-
case with wrought iron railing, unique ceilings, wood cabi-
nets in kitchen and granite counters, stainless steel appli-
ances. Fenced backyard and doggie doors included. Master
bedroom and one of the guest bedrooms offer private bal-
conies. Master bathroom has a walkthrough shower, two
separate sinks, and a separate garden tub. If you are look-
ing for a unique home, this is a must see!
.MLS#D5794078 $499,900
Do you have a home or property you would like to sell? Give us a call, we have the buyers!
Call Darin & Mary Waldeck 941-460-6467 *
4414 N. Access Rd., Englewood, FL 34224 SL' 7tAtcN
Office: (941) 460-6467 Justsold2002@gmaiI.com REALTY, LLC

Monday, Jan 6,2014. Page 25 .Welcome Home

Annual &
Seasonal Rentals
Available

Segritt

A

I

I 2
4/

^ _

~1

* .1* ~
/

/
/ /

Welcome Home Real Estate Magazine can assist you in
finding the right home for you to relax and enjoy the many
amenities beautiful Southwest Florida has to offer.

DIRECT GULF FRONT! MYAKKA RIVER
Island of Venice. Extremely FRONT. Approximately
rare opportunity. Two Gulf six tenths of an acre
front lots side by side being .... 1- directly on the scenic
sold as a package. One Myakka River. Located in
super site for your dream one of the best kept secret
home on Venice Beach. neighborhoods in all of
MLS#N5780304 $890,000 Venice, Tarpon Point.
MLS#N5780966
$215,000

CANAL FRONT & just a CANAL FRONT, nice
stones throw from the boatable water. Building
Myakka River. Almost nine ........... site in Tarpon Point.
tenths of an acre in a very P.. I.. ....."75xl 10 ft lot surrounded
secluded spot. A quarter by beauty & nature. Direct
mile to Myakka State forest access to the Myakka River
& only 25 minutes to just 500 ft away, a
downtown Venice. fisherman's dream.
MLS#N5780965 MLS#N5780159
$89,000 $78,900

Port Charlotte Sarasota Bradenton Venice Ellenton
1241 El Jobean Road 4027 N. Washington 1100 West Cortez Road 550 S. Seaboard Ave. 5814 18th St East
Rt. 776 across from Sam's 11A/, Miles S. of Airport on 301 Corner of 41 and Cortez Just North of Venice Nissan Across from the
76 -70 8 0 Next to Office Depot on US 41 Bypass Ellenton Outlet Mall
o 764-8700 351-8600 749-6069 485-3211 479-7900
Mon.-Sat.9-9 MonM-- Sat. 9-9 W
Sun. 11-6 Sun.11-6 Mon. Sat. 9-9 Weekdays 9 Mon.- Sat. 9-9
Sun. 11-6 Sat. 9-6 Sun. 11-6 Sun. 11-6
* See store for details. Although every precaution is taken, errors in prices and/or specs may occur in print We reserve the right to correct any such errors. Circulars may not be used with any other promotion. Some special items may not be
on display but are available via our special order program. All Items subject to prior safe quantities limited. All groups featured may not be sold exactly as shown. 02013 IMAGINE ADVERTISING, INC.

C-24 January 6, 2014

Model Homs and Community Grand O

Carefree living. Convenient Location.
Grand Oaks, Venice's most eagerly awaited new community, is
pleased to announce the opening of its spectacularly furnished
model homes. Elegant architectural design, flowing interior and
outdoor spaces and the finest appointments await you in this
exclusive, gated enclave of just 55 residences. Smartly priced
from the high $200s to mid-$300s.

" Yards are professionally manicured
for low-maintenance living
" Close to beaches, shopping and
restaurants
" Model lease-backs available
" Inquire about our buyer incentives

GRAND OAKS
VENICE, FLORIDA
GrandOaksVenice.com 941-234-0432
Ideally located on East Venice Ave, just west of the Jacaranda Blvd. traffic circle

Michael Saunders & Company
Licensed Real Estate Broker

-IT

A U.S. Asset s Group Community

Prices subject to change without notice. CBC1259307

January 6, 2014 C-25

W:f7

.i II / l I--

C-26 January 6, 2014

IN GRAND
From casual to elegant, Grand Palm has a home to match your lifestyle.
Choose from five beautiful home series, featuring 10 new models and 23 floor plan
choices! Designed and built by Neal Communities, a Southwest Florida company
that has been building quality homes for over 40 years, you are sure to find a home
that is just right for your family. Plus, plenty of amenities to keep you active
in a vibrant community from the fitness center to the Great Splash park.
Call or visit our model homes today to see how grand life can be at Grand Palm!

WEDNESDAY AND SATURDAY WWW.VENICEGONDOLIERSUN.COM FOR HOME DELIVERY, CALL 9412071300 FRONT SECTION OUR TOWN SECTION IN THIS EDITION COUPONS DEATHSBUSINESS ...................................... 6A LEGALS .......................................... A7 LET EM HAVE IT .......................... 8A LOTTERY ........................................ 2A OBITUARIES .................................. 9A OPINION ........................................ 8A POLICE BEAT ................................ 3A SPORTS .................................. 101A TIM SMOLARICK .......................... 8A WEATHER ...................................... 2A AROUND TOWN ........................ 8B SOUTH TRAIL ............................ 4B CROSSWORD ............................. 6B VENUE ......................................... 3B WELLBEING .............................. 2B AMERICAN PROFILE CLASSIFIEDS LETS GO! Go 2 Dental ..............................2A Permanent Makeup ................3A Planet Beer and Wine .............9A Gulf Coast Carpet ....................3B American Air ............................6BVirginia F. Hattaway Alanda M. Holder Thomas R. Riggs Jean Y. Rose Good morning, Gondolier Sun subscriber Dennis Diemand A NEW LEASH ON LIFEFortunate felinesPage 1B January 8-10, 2014 Vol. 68 No. 73 An edition of the Sun Three South Venice residents have been arrested and nearly a dozen more are being investigated in connection with six residential burglaries in which tens of thousands of dollars worth of property including Christmas presents was stolen, announced the Sarasota County Sheriffs Ofce. One victim, Debbie Maddox, had just nished up her Christmas shopping and went to Texas prior to the holiday. When she returned home, she found her home was ransacked and all the presents were missing. It turns out her house was cased. She remembered the young neighbor she caught looking into her window before she left town. I came out and asked her what she was doing? She said she was my neighbor and wanted to borrow some butter. I let the Big Bad Wolf in, Maddox said. That big smile and spider tattoo haunts me every night. Later, Maddox would learn the same woman, who has not been arrested, tried the same ruse on other neighbors, but they refused entry. Some folks would have crumbled under despair. Not the Maddoxs. She and her husband Kevin shifted into high gear and started visiting all the pawn shops in the area. After all, she witnessed the thieves placing her belongings into their vehicles to make a getaway. In the end, she found some of her belongings, even though she had to pay to get them back. The burglaries occurred in residences on Gentian Road, South Venice Boulevard, Papaya Road, Lemon Bay Grinches who stole Christmas are arrestedBy GREG GILESSTAFF REPORT PHOTO COURTESY OF THE SCSOJewelry recovered by the Sarasota County Sheris Oce during its investigation of six Venice-area home burglaries in December. MOORE MEYERS JOHNSONGRINCHES | 4 Reopening the South County Holding Facility is worth considering. Thats the general consensus of a joint Venice City Council and North Port City Commission discussion that took place this week. Venice Mayor John Holic raised the idea, saying perhaps North Port and Venice might pitch in to keep it going in some capacity. The jail, which adjoins the Venice Police Department facility, was shuttered as of Jan. 1 one of a few budget saving moves by Sarasota County Sheriff Tom Knight. Knight previously said arrests in South County were down and cited the lack of medical and food services at the facility, along with the inability to process juvenile and transgender offenders. Knight said the savings could add up to over $1 million annually. But it will add to municipal expenses, authorities say. Venice Police Chief Tom McNulty said theres no doubt his department will feel an impact from the closure. Hes working on an estimate of how much it will cost the city, if anything, to add staff to redirect detainees to the Sarasota County Jail. An early estimate is it could add another $100,000 to the city budget in transportation and other costs. North Ports police department is considerably larger and presumably will add even more to its budget. Between the two municipalities, Holic said, the facility could be re-opened, if only for high volume days or weekends when crime is higher.Venice jail not a dead ideaBy GREG GILESNEWS EDITORJAIL | 5 Venice has one of only 12 food service establishments in the Sunshine State recognized during recent inspections by the Department of Business and Professional Regulation for having no safety or sanita tion violations within the past year. Michael Elden, co-owner of Bonnells Boutique & Winery, 101 West Venice Ave., Suite 13, received a letter from Florida Gov. Rick Scott commending him for demonstrating such a high level of attention to detail and commitment to excellence. I am very happy because it is pretty difcult not to get a violation, Elden said. The state regulates us twice a year. Bonnells, operated by Elden and co-owner Lisa Terraglia, was opened on West Miami Avenue six years ago. lden moved to the 300 block of West Venice Avenue for four years before occupying the present location in the 100 Block in 2011. They have recently acquired an additional unit but have made no decision at this stage as to what they have planned. In the store, they have a large selection of wines and beers that they serve by the glass to customers who can relax at the bar. Food items including cheese and crackers, pate, fruit plates and homemade items to complement wines are available from 10 a.m. to close at 9 p.m. Regulating more than one million Florida businesses and professionals is the role of The Division of Hotels and Restaurants. They work to protect the health and safety of the public by providing the industry with inspections and regulation. The Divisions main priority is to ensure that food is stored, prepared and served safely for the enjoyment of Floridians and guests. Venice biz gets rare, perfect rating by stateBy ROGER BUTTONBUSINEWS COLUMNIST PHOTO BY ROGER BUTTONMichael Elden, co-owner of Bonnells Boutique & Winery, shows customer Krista File who is enjoying a pre-wedding drink the letter he received from Florida Gov. Rick Scott. Sarasota County families who cannot afford nutritious food will soon be able to enjoy fresh, seasonal produce as a result of a new custom-made mobile farmers market available through All Faiths Food Bank. The organization introduced Sprout mobile farm market at a ribbon-cutting ceremony on Friday evening at the Venice Yacht Club. Laura Coyle, director of mar keting at All Faiths Food Bank, said it is the rst of its kind in the area and is projected to deliver 64,000 pounds of fresh produce in 2014 to people in need throughout the county. This product is a result of two years in the making, and we are very proud to be able to offer this kind service to those who need it, Coyle said. The produce on the truck will be distributed through a free voucher system for clients of All Faiths Food Banks network of more than 100 partner pantries, soup kitchens, churches and community centers. Everything within the unit is going to cost one dollar (voucher). It might be three or four tomatoes in a bag or one large squash, but it will speed up things having everything the same price, said Scott Malcom, corporate ofce executive for All Faiths Food Bank. We want to be able to move as quickly as possible from one site to the next. The pilot program is planned to begin on Jan. 20. The unit will stop at six different sites. The locations were chosen based on the amount of volunteers at the agency, parking availability and consumer need. Locations include three housing and urban development sites in Sarasota, St. Nathaniels Church in North Port, Salvation Army in North Port and The Community Assistance Ministry through Trinity Presbyterian Church in Venice. We are going to try the program for eight weeks and collect data as we go to see where our efforts should be focused after that, Malcom said. We wanted to keep our focus tight initially so as we expand we will better be able to dene the expectations of the agencies and broaden our spectrum. Michael Nemser, chair of the Venice Yacht Club Charitable Foundation, facilitated the event. We wanted the VYC charitable foundation to participate in a program that will make a meaningful difference in the community, Nemser said. As a foundation, we are proud to supply the seed money for this project. Director of Community Investment for Gulf Coast Community Foundation Jon Thaxton said the idea became a priority after learning that more than 50 percent of the students in Sarasota County Schools qualied for free or reduced lunches. The destination of this truck is curing the hunger problems that exist in Sarasota County, Thaxton said. Tony Zumbano, commodore of the club, asked the crowd for a moment of silence to reect upon the recent death of David Yarzab. Yarzab was the general manager of the yacht club and died on Jan. 1 in a motor cycle accident. David was a big supporter of our foundation and would have been very proud to be here today, Zumbano said.Food brought to areas where need existsBy SUSAN ERWINGUEST WRITERA Mobile Farmers Market PHOTOS BY SUSAN ERWINMichael Nemser, chair of the Venice Yacht Club Charitable Foundation, facilitates the ribbon-cutting of All Faiths Food Banks custom-made truck that will deliver fresh produce to local families in need. The ceremony took place Friday evening at the Venice Yacht Club. Scott Malcom, corporate oce executive for All Faiths Food Bank, holds up a piece of produce inside Sprout, a refrigerated mobile market that is equipped with food storage and display shelves. A tasting table will also be available for clients to taste a dish prepared with the produce selection of the day. VENICELOCAL NEWS COVER TO COVER FLORIDA'S NO.1 WEEKLY NEWSPAPER 4y cfploulMOBILE FARM RKET _t pr7 05252 10075 0

PAGE 2

ABC 7 WEATHER VENICE OUTLOOK Florida Lottery www.flalottery.comALMANAC 2A SUN NEWSPAPERS WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 8, 2014 SUNRISE, SUNSET Sunrise/setTonights sunset 5:53 p.m. Tomorrows sunrise 7:21 a.m.Moonrise/setMoonrise 12:28 p.m. Moonset 1:41 a.m. VENICE TIDES EASTERN STANDARD TIMEDATE HIGH HIGH LOW LOW P.M. A.M. P.M. A.M. WED 8 5:48 6:01 11:28 a 12:25 THU 9 6:38 8:01 12:13 1:49 FRI 10 7:28 9:42 1:06 2:59 SAT 11 8:17 10:53 2:04 3:55 SUN 12 9:02 11:42 3:00 4:41 *STRONG TIDE a A.M. p P.M. Partly sunny69 36 High LowWEDNESDAY 50% chance of rain78 58 High LowTHURSDAY 30% chance of rain81 62 High LowFRIDAY Partly sunny81 62 High LowSATURDAY CASH 3Jan. 6N .......................................4-4-9 Jan. 6D .......................................6-8-4 Jan. 5N .......................................5-0-8 Jan. 5D .......................................8-1-2 Jan. 4N .......................................6-1-8 Jan. 4D ..................................... 2-2-4 D-Day, N-Night PLAY 4Jan. 6N ....................................1-1-6-0 Jan. 6D ....................................8-4-9-5 Jan. 5N ....................................8-4-9-1 Jan. 5D ....................................5-4-5-1 Jan. 4N ....................................1-0-1-9 Jan. 4D ...................................8-3-1-2 D-Day, N-Night FANTASY 5Jan. 6 ..............................3-7-9-18-26 Jan. 5 ..........................4-14-23-25-34 Jan. 4 .......................... 1-8-17-20-21PAYOFF FOR JAN. 52 5-digit winners ............$99,900.91 269 4-digit winners .............$119.50 8,492 3-digit winners .............$10.50 MEGA MONEYJan. 3 ................................4-10-13-19 MegaBall .........................................17 Dec. 31 ............................11-13-18-34 MegaBall ...........................................4PAYOFF FOR JAN. 30 4-of-4 MB ........................ $1 million 5 4-of-4 ...................................$1,346 52 3-of-4 MB .........................$283.50 1,222 3-of-4 .................................$36 1,443 2-of-4 MB ...........................$21 LOTTOJan. 4 ...................14-15-23-34-36-37 Jan. 1 .......................1-8-15-19-32-48 Dec. 28 .....................1-6-11-14-15-29PAYOFF FOR JAN. 40 6-digit winners ............... $6 million 24 5-digit winners .............$7,441.50 1,381 4-digit winners ..................$85 29,266 3-digit winners ..............$5.50ESTIMATED JACKPOT $8 million POWERBALLJan. 4 ........................19-20-37-41-58 Powerball ........................................14 Jan. 1 ........................15-24-40-48-52 Powerball ........................................23PAYOFF FOR JAN. 40 5 of 5 + PB ..................... $60 million 0 5 of 5 ................................ $1 million 0 4 of 5 + PB ..........................$10,000 60 4 of 5 .....................................$100ESTIMATED JACKPOT $70 million MEGA MILLIONSJan. 3 ........................22-24-25-40-70 MegaBall ...........................................5 Dec. 31 ........................8-12-34-52-58 MegaBall ...........................................8PAYOFF FOR JAN. 30 5 of 5 + MB ................... $61 million 0 5 of 5 ............................... $1 million 0 4 of 5 + MB ..........................$5,000 19 4 of 5 ....................................$500ESTIMATED JACKPOT $15 millionVenice Mayor John Holic made some headway this week in seeking support from sur rounding municipalities to rethink how Sheriffs Ofce patrols are funded. At a joint meeting between the elected leaders of North Port and Venice, the North Port City Commission agreed to study further the idea of paying for a portion of the Sheriffs Ofce budget by installing a MSTU, or Municipal Services Taxing Unit. A citizens law enforcement class given through the Sarasota County Sheriffs Ofce had an un intended consequence. Holic was looking at a map of the 19 districts patrolled by sheriffs deputies and realized that North Port, Venice and the city of Sarasota didnt gure into those daily patrol efforts, he said. He wondered why the municipalities were being taxed but not patrolled. It was then he wondered if it were possible for the cities, who have their own police services, to opt out of paying for a portion of the Sheriffs Ofce budget by creating a MSTU in unincorporated parts of the county where they receive full patrol services. With $40 million of the $100 million sheriffs budget going toward the jail and the court system, Holic said he would like to address the $60 million that goes toward law enforcement efforts like patrols. Holic thinks that Venice and North Port are responsible for roughly $20 million of that total and believes that a MSTU would help to offset the monies left out of the coffers by the municipalities, although Holic admitted the details havent been fully hashed out. We dont have a denable level of service we should be obtaining from our county taxes, yet we all pay identical millage to the county, Holic said. It was one of a dozen or so issues discussed Monday during a joint meeting between the North Port City Commission and Venice City Council at the Morgan Family Community Center, a meeting that was skipped by Venice council members Bob Daniels and Jeanette Gates. Gates and Daniels previously said they wouldnt attend a meeting with North Port until the next election, citing city efforts to rebuild its relationship with Sarasota County ofcials. Gates said last year that she had no interest in meeting with North Port commissioners because they often bash county commissioners. Yet, the idea of an MSTU garnered mostly positive support from both boards, although North Port Mayor Jim Blucher and Venice City Council member Jim Bennett expressed doubt. Blucher warned of a balloon effect on the SCSO budget, which, should it decrease by 20 percent, as Holic suggested, would impact the countys budget elsewhere. Anytime you lower it one place, it goes up somewhere else, Blucher added. Venice councilman Emilio Carlesimo scoffed at the idea of the socalled balloon effect, saying that Sheriff Tom Knights decision to shutter the South County Holding Facility had balloon effects on North Port and Venice, effects that both cities have yet to fully understand. (Knight) was acting in a scal manner and I didnt have any problem with that. Just like I feel were acting in a prudent scal manner, he said of the possible MSTU. If it has a balloon effect, he has to deal with it. Holic called residents of unincorporated communities like Nokomis and Laurel the real beneciaries of the services provided by the Sheriffs Ofce, and alluded to a sense of double taxation because Venice and North Port residents have chosen to live in a municipality. Were living in city limits because there are services in these cities were willing to pay for, Holic said.Email: dwinchester@sun-herald.comVenice, North Port discuss new taxing districtBy DREW WINCHESTERSTAFF WRITER Fishing Fo r A New Career? Check Out The Classifieds In The 475566 Find your Florida dream home in this great BUYERS market! For a FREE Welcome Home magazine call (866) 357-6204 ext. 1222 or visit www.welcome-home.com 481154 Call 941-497-7888 Venice Pines Travel 1284 Jacaranda Blvd. (Facing Center Road-Venice Pines Plaza) Up to 2-FOR-1 cruise pricing plus up to 2-FOR-1 roundtrip international air. For more information call: January 15, 2014 At Venice Pines Travel Come and join us and Viking River Cruises for a Sales Event! Learn more about cruising the historic rivers in the world from David Holmwood, Director of Business Development, Viking Cruises. Dont miss this 2 for 1 Sale on Viking River Cruises. Show times 11:00 am Space is limited for more information call Venice Pines Travel at 941-497-7888 Viking River Cruise Show 5641 Clark Rd., Sarasota Next to Dunkin Donuts @ I-75, exit 205 Go2dental@comcast.net *Extractions not included. First consultation no charge. May change based on complexity of case. The patient and any other person responsible for payment has a right to refuse to pay, cancel payment, or be reimbursed for payment for any other service, examination, or treatment, that is performed as a result of and within 72 hours of responding to advertisement for the free, discounted fee, or reduced fee service, examination or treatment. General Dentist Lic#14423 Were the stimulus package for your dental needs. F R E E FREE S E C O N D SECOND O P I N I O N OPINION CROWNS BRIDGES EXTRACTIONS IMPLANTS FREE! Consultation X-Rays & Exam D0150, D0330 Must Present Coupon Deluxe Denture Complete Set $ 750 (Reg. $1500) D5110, D5210 Must Present Coupon Single Denture $ 249 Same Day Dentures Available! D5110, D5210 single. Must Present Coupon Crowns $ 475 D2751 Must Present Coupon 480572 941-822-0048 10 th Annual DUCK PLUCK Prizes Every Hour Grand Prize: 5-6 Day Cruise for 2 EVENT SPONSORS Gondolier SunVENICE Venice-Nokomis Rotary Club 2014 Fine Arts & Crafts Festival Saturday, January 18 9am-5pm Sunday, January 19 11 am-4pm FREE PARKING Admission $2 (under 12 free) Fine Arts & Crafts Boats & Classic Car Display Entertainment, Food and Drinks Childrens Fun Area: Bounce House Rock Climbing Water Walking Bungee Jumping At the Venice Airport Festival Grounds R OCK W ITH R OTARY Friday January 17th 6pm-10pm with the $ 10 in advance $ 15 at the door Order tickets for Rock with Rotary www. veni cenokomi srotary. org 481709 NEW POOLS RESURFACING PAVERS POOL SERVICE REPAIRS REMODELING HEATERS Pebble Tec & Quartz Finishes 121 Triple Diamond Blvd. #13, North Venice, FL 34275 941-485-0062 www.olympicpools.us SUN 1'-A AlOlympic poolswhere great pools beginVOTED BEST OF VENICE # I POOL1 MU ( .I I II IiII I I I I Ii I I I iOle11.4Local neIRELnews'The dillIIiIkWI diN6 T-

PAGE 3

WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 8, 2014 SUN NEWSPAPERS 3A A woman who went to the hospital for treatment ended up in jail for hitting a hospital security guard. According to a Venice Police Department report: Chari Smith, 41, was intoxicated and causing a disturbance in the emergency room. She was transported by ambulance to Venice Regional Medical Center for treatment of a laceration, but was soon yelling obscenities at staff. A hospital security guard tried to keep her in a treatment room, but Smith allegedly got up and approached him, raising her arms in a threatening manner and cussing at the ofcer. She hit him on his head with her hands and sts. He restrained her. When police arrived, Smith denied she hit anyone and said the security guard and ER staff should know how to handle a drunk that give them trouble. Smith, 1100 block of Bayshore Drive, Englewood, was placed under arrest, handcuffed and transported to Sarasota County jail for booking. She was charged with battery on an ofcer, reghter or EMT. Bond was set at $5,000.Strangulation chargedA Venice man was arrested for domestic battery after strangling his father. According to a Venice Police Department report: Gregory Mark Higgins, 59, was arguing with his 89-year-old father when he grabbed the man by the throat and threw him up against the laundry room wall. The victim ran out of the room yelling, help. The father could not recall the reason for the defendants escalation of violence, but mentioned they had been disagreeing over changes being made to their residence. Higgins, 1200 block of Sleepy Hollow Road, Venice, was arrested Jan. 4. There was no bond.Battery blamed on hungerA Venice man was arrested for domestic battery after slapping his mother and throwing a phone at her while she was in bed. According to a Venice Police Department report: Ryan Patrick Burnett, 30, arrived home intoxicated at around 2:30 a.m. on Jan. 4 and began arguing with his mother because there was not enough food to eat. The two, who live together, began arguing. The mother remained in bed throughout most of the incident. At one point Ryan got into his mothers face. When she pushed him away, he allegedly slapped her. They argued for another half hour until Ryan threw a cordless phone at the woman, striking her in the face. At the time of the throw, the mother was still in her bed, and Ryan was standing at the foot of the bed, according to the report. Ryan, of the 600 block of Guild Drive, Venice, was arrested and charged with domestic battery. Bond was not available. The Venice Police Department reported the following arrest: Alton Michael Haynes, 42, 1200 block of Pineland Ave, Venice. Charge: possession of a weapon or ammo by a convicted Florida felon, and driving while license suspended or revoked (second offense). Bond: $8,000. Jeffrey Paul Sykes, 54, 500 block of Venice Ave., Venice. Charge: knowingly driving while license suspended or revoked. Bond: $120. Leona A. Hall, 33, 12000 block of Stoneville Court, Spring Hill. Charge: battery. Bond: $500. Travis James Krupski, 21, 4800 block of Adderston Ave., North Port. Charge: DUI, narcotic equipment possession and or use, possession of more than one valid drivers license. Bond: $1,120. Brandi Darlene Parvin, 20, 200 block of San Marco Drive, Venice. Charge: domestic battery. Bond: none. The Sarasota County Sheriffs Office reported the following arrests: Robert Bruce Rigby, 38, Nokomis. Charge: cocaine possession with intent to sell, manufacture or deliver, narcotic equipment possession and heroin possession with intent to sell, manufacture or deliver. Bond: $16,500. Mandy A. Manley, 24, 800 block of Nectar Road, Venice. Charge: disorderly intoxication. Bond: $120. Frank Julius Naple, 64, 3400 block of Laurel Road, Venice. Charge: DUI (third within 10 years), refusal to submit to DUI test after license suspended, knowingly driving while license suspended or revoked. Bond: $2,120. Tyre James Lee Cook, 22, 600 block of Baffin Drive, Venice. Charge: VOP (original charge: cocaine and marijuana possession). Bond: none. John Carey Jeffery, 37, 300 block of Sea Grape Road, Venice. Charge: larceny less than $5,000. Bond: $1,500. Amanda Lin Sachkar, 40, 100 block of Hourglass Drive, Venice. Charge: petit larceny, resisting an officer in the recovery of stolen property. Bond: $1,000. Jeffrey William Wozniak, 51, 300 block of Plantation Road, Venice. Charge: VOP (original charge: grand theft). Bond: none. Scott Roman Gzyl, 21, 900 block of Laurel Ave., Venice. Charge: battery. Bond: $500. Anthony Sean Reeves, 27, 900 block of Kimball Road, Venice. Charge: probation violation (original charge: sale of marijuana). Bond: none.Disturbance in emergency room leads to battery charge | POLICE BEATThe information for Police Beat is gathered from police, sheriffs office, Florida Highway Patrol, jail and fire records. Not every arrest leads to a conviction. Guilt is determined by the court system. HIGGINS BURNETT SMITH rffnt rfntbrf f rftbrf rffrf rff rrfrf trfr rfrbf frfr rfrnnnr nft nf frf brf nt rnrr nfrtf brfrrf nrft bbbbb nrrr frfrfnf 480538 Carpet Ceramic Laminate Carpet Ceramic Laminate Hardwood Vinyl Area Rugs Hardwood Vinyl Area Rugs All You Need To Know About Floors 825 E. Venice Ave. Venice Best Of Venice 2003-2011 941-488-1810 www.mcpcolortile.com HOURS: MONDAY-FRIDAY 8-5 SATURDAY 8-3 481715 Financing Available For Qualified Customers NEW Truck Mounted Cleaning Division Carpet Tile Furniture Restoration WE SELL IT INSTALL IT MAINTAIN IT BEST OFVENICEWINNER 2012 Venice Gondolier Sun Call 941-584-0060 For Tickets A Night At The Venice Symphony To Support The Friendship Health Clinic Reception & Performance will be held at Church of the Nazarene 1535 E Venice Ave Venice 479910 SW ONDERFUL SW ONDERFUL Pops Concert The music of George Gershwin Featuring Guest Soloist Dick Hyman Gondolier SunVENICELOCAL NEWS COVER TO COVER FLORIDAS NO.1 WEEKLY NEWSPAPER Media Sponsor Reception & Concert $50 per person January 16, 2014 Appetizers, desserts & refreshments 6:15-7:15 Concert begins at 7:30 pm 481777 481341 481352 On The Island 421 S. Tamiami Trail 941-488-5989 Hours: Mon Sat 9am 8pm Sun 12pm 6pm HAPPY HOUR EVERY THURSDAY 4 7 PM $2 OFF ALL ITEMS On Deli Snack Menu BILLS BAHAMA MAMAS ONLY $5 1/2 PRICE All Servings From Wine & Spirit Tasting Bars Like Us On FACEBOOK.COM/ISLANDTIMESPIRITS KICK OFF OUR GRAND RENAMING WEEKEND WITH A TASTING EXTRAVAGANZA! Friday, January 24th, 6-8 pm Enjoy a variety of wines, liquors and craft beers as well as light appetizers featuring our imported cheeses and meats! $20/Person, 2 for $35 Proceeds to benefit the Venice Area Womens League Gifting Fund Tickets on sale now at Brindleys/Island Time Spirits SAVE THE DATE! e5'trly ,ct[ed,. .` f )etatLQ a,Goutfw x O .a 'd anutJ7a2 tkwuur, one, and Gourmet StolejFriendship THEVENICEfiCenters SymphonynAMMvw-leiAxvwr-URACACCREDITEDr------------9 r -----------dr ------------9 L -----------_JHearUSA HEA&Americas MostTrusted Name in Hearing Care. A HearUSA CompanActual ClientAfter Hair-Stroke Brows & Ey&eliner-Eyebrows! Eyeliner! 'Lips!Cheryl Doss, R.N.ini' a ;:]U1 H;;4134:941-486-8039 ,}aQrdary Zeciawww,LastingMakeup.com $50 Off Hair Stroke EyebrowsRECORDINOSYUDIOSwinds singers SOROVA".-Vales 0Poetry ReaderaIsland ReconlIng Studio1011 West Venice Avenue 0110(in Mu, -941-48"699,caeo u. `r488-MONTGOMERY'S,:arpetsP/Its

PAGE 4

4A SUN NEWSPAPERS WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 8, 2014 Drive and Pineapple Place from Oct. 28 to Dec. 12. More than $62,000 worth of property was stolen and one home was ransacked, according to a Sheriffs Ofce press release. Authorities say the break in the burglaries came thanks to a Dec. 14 trafc stop of a vehicle driven by James Bradley Moore in which Tiffany Lee Meyers, Zachary M. Johnson and another man were riding, according to a Sheriffs Ofce press statement. As it happened, that was the same day Maddox went to a nearby gas station and asked the manager if any sil ver money or unusual coins had turned up. She identied some of the rare coins as hers and called deputies, asking the manager to keep the security video ready for law enforcement to review. That evening she and her mother witnessed the culprits at a nearby party house, taking Maddoxs belongings from their house and putting them into ve separate cars. Deputies showed up, and after 20 minutes managed to get the occupants to come to the door. They came back to Maddox with a necklace one of the women was wearing. I dont understand why they let them go and did not make them open the trunk of the car when we had just witnessed them putting our daughters Christmas present into the truck. He stated that he did not have cause. Are you kidding me? Five minutes after the deputies leave, we look from front porch and see eight kids come running out of the house. I see them with my suitcase, my pillow case swinging in the air with gifts in it, as they are running. Im only 100 feet from them. Were running at the yard screaming at them. One has my Raggedy Ann doll. I see my husbands shotgun case. As we get to the driveway, they drive away, laughing, ipping us the bird. It was like I was watching a movie. You just cant make this stuff up, Maddox said. Moore was arrested on drug charges that same day, and items found in the vehicle were identied as stolen property from the burglary of Maddoxs home. Two days later, Johnson went to the Sheriffs Ofce to be interviewed. According to authorities, a deputy saw a suitcase in the bed of his truck that had the name of another burglary victim on it. Johnson denied knowing anything about the suitcase or the stolen property seized in the trafc stop. A search of the truck revealed more stolen items in the suitcase and in the cab of the truck. Johnson claimed ignorance about the stolen goods. In an interview the same day, Meyers told deputies that she and Johnson had taken stolen property from Moores residence and thrown it into a dumpster behind Frank Theaters in South Venice. Deputies learned that Moore had called Meyers from jail on a recorded line and instructed her to get rid of the items, which included a doll matching the ones hanging on Johnsons mirror. When Meyers was arrested, she was wearing a pair of shoes taken in one of the burglaries. She also had a key to a storage unit in her possession. The storage unit, rented to Moore, contained even more stolen property. Further investigation disclosed at least two transactions in which Meyers pawned jewelry and coins, claiming to be the lawful owner. Moore, 25, 2200 block of Woodmere Road, Venice, was charged with six counts of grand theft. Hes in jail in Manatee County accused of violating probation but will be transferred to Sarasota County to face charges there. Meyers, 26, 3000 block of Sunset Beach Drive, Venice, was charged with two counts of tampering with evidence; two counts of accessory after the fact; two counts of dealing in stolen property; and one count of providing false information to a pawn broker. Johnson, 20, 3000 block of Sunset Beach Drive, Venice, was charged with two counts each of tampering with evidence, accessory after the fact and grand theft. He and Meyers are both out on bond. Since the crimes, Maddox has purchased a gun. She says she wants to feel safe about going outside in her neighbor hood again. She is a local resident with a large family in the area, who knows some of the parents of the youth involved. Shes even received Facebook threats, which law enforcement are looking into. Maddox says shes not going anywhere. Some of the neighbors are supporting her. Theyre all tired of whats going on around here, Maddox said. The neighbors have already pressured one of the Grinches to move elsewhere. In the meantime, the Maddoxs are still visiting local pawn shops, hoping to nd the stolen wedding rings that belonged to their parents and her deceased brother. Detectives are still investigating these crimes. Anyone with information regarding them should call Criminal Investigations at 941-8611719 or, to be eligible for up to a $1,000 reward, Crime Stoppers at 941-366-8477. Or visit: SarasotaCrimeStoppers. com. Portions of this report are from a Sheriffs Ofce press release.Email: ggiles@venicegondolier.comGRINCHESFROM PAGE 1 475572 481757 941-451-8261 BREAKFAST LUNCH DINNER TAKE OUT CATERING P ET F RIENDLY 227 W. M IAMI A VE V ENICE I SLAND VOTED BEST BREAKFAST Open 7 Days a Week 7:30 am 9 pm 481175 Open Daily 11am-10pm 4167 S. Tamiami Tr., Venice (941) 451-8564 7240 55th Ave East Bradenton, FL 34203 941-896-9656 or Fries & Coleslaw $ 14 90 New England Lobst er Roll Lunch Special 11am-4pm only $ 7 Fish Sandwich o r Burger W/Slaw a nd Free Beverage: House Wine, Select Draft Beer, Soda, Coffee, o r Tea Ends 1/15 o r While Supplies Last 481712 Villa Venezia Plaza 1740 E. Venice Ave. Venice, FL 34292 941.484.1889 Full Liquor & Bar Hours: Mon. Thurs. 11:30am-10pm Fri. 11:30am-10pm Sat. 4:00-10pm HAPPY HOUR 11:30AM 6:00PM Wine $3 a Glass or 2 for 1 $6.95pp CALL MAMA FOR RESERVATIONS LIVE MUSIC & DANCING Monday Saturday LIVE JAZZ PERFORMANCE Mondays & Thursdays Call for information LUNCH SPECIALS Monday Friday Main Dining Room Only 54372101 1601 Englewood Rd. Englewood, FL 34223 Just $12.95 Includes: Egg Station including Omelets made to order Waffles with assorted Toppings Cheese Blintzes with Seasonal Fruit Compote Carved Ham with Pineapple Sauce 10am 2pm For Reservations 941-475-6464 www.bocaroyale.com Non-Members Welcome Veni ce Vi llage Shoppes 4145 S. Tami ami Tr. ( 941)493-2300 www. sandtrapbarandgri ll. com 481148 (941)451-8882 750 US 41 B Y P ASS N V ENICE Full Bar Lunch Dinner Catering Mon-Sat 11-9:30 pm Sun 12-9 pm 481147 Weekly Specials WEEKEND SPECIALS Check our Website for a complete list www.LeftCoastSeafood.com 385 N. Bypass Venice (Albee Farm Rd. & 41 Bypass) 941-485-5064 Open Daily at 11am W E VE M OVED Vi si t us at our new locati on at the i nt ersecti on of Albee Farm Rd. & 41 Bypass 481718 Thank You f or over a decade of support Mon: Early Birds & Happy Hour f rom open-close Tues: All You Can Eat Shrimp $13.99 or Peel & Eat Shrimp 30 Wed: All You Can Eat Fish Fry $7.99 or 50 Oysters on 1/2 Shell Thurs: Fried Ipswich Clams Jan. 2014 481359 Lifetime Financial Freedom State of FL Approved Contract, Providing 3 Levels of Care Independent Living, Assisted Living, Skilled Nursing and Rehab all on the Same Campus. I ACSA llegy-oBURGUNDY SOU.1RE CAFE ,a Sistoda-sh GT,-A 10 roliplow Delicious American and TheAward Winning Thai CuisineILIONF PAAV IY / f L' J' l I SEAFOODCcBest of Venice Finalist J {.' "*" Best Sports Ba-To advertise here callIiI3IEIIiI1 Saud Ttft,-SPORTS-Bar-(0" woTHI Y Remove 4 04S or 4, 40 0 of NOW andTHISWYour FUTUREIS WAYTHIS WAYyIsqVenice's ONLY Faith Based, Not-For-ProfitVILLAGE Continuing Care Retirement CommunityON THE THE ISLECall Carol TODAY for more information at (941) 486-5484920 Tamiami Trail South Venice FL 34285IU Eiwar I.Winning,AffordableSeafood

PAGE 5

WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 8, 2014 SUN NEWSPAPERS 5A William P. Sullivan, who was reported missing from his Mission Valley home on Sunday, Jan. 5, was located Tuesday in Miami. According to a Sarasota County Sheriffs Ofce press statement, the Nokomis resident was at a South Florida hospital Tuesday evening being evaluated, awaiting the arrival of family members to take him home. No other information about locating him was provided. Sullivan, 83, left his home at about 2:30 p.m. Sunday to go shopping and didnt return. A Silver Alert was issued Sunday evening to solicit the publics assistance in nding him. At the time he was wearing a blue sweater, khaki pants and white shoes and was driving a 2005 red, four-door Buick Lacrosse, with Florida plate I614JE. The alert said that Sullivan has medical issues. On Monday afternoon, Sheriffs Ofce spokesperson Wendy Rose said the ofce was tracking Sullivans most recent activity and notifying other agencies around the area where he was last known to be. Information about the search was viewed more than 6,000 times on the Gondolier Suns Facebook page.Missing Nokomis man found in MiamiSTAFF REPORT SULLIVAN The holding cell is no longer being manned by the county, Holic said. That puts a strain on Venice and North Port to go all the way to Sarasota. I hope you pack a bag. Its almost a vacation for somebody to travel that far, he quipped. I would like to see us come up with a way to use an existing facility so that two municipalitys (patrols) dont have to make that long haul in the middle of the night, Holic said. How can we make it economically viable to use it for what its designed for not at their convenience but at our convenience, Holic said. Commissioner Rhonda DiFranco, retired law enforcement, agreed its worth consideration. It does put our ofcers at risk, she said, noting an ofcer transporting a detainee is one less patrolling the streets of North Port and assisting other ofcers. You do have to have certied ofcers to staff that up. You cant just have baby sitters. I would want us to work together (on that), DeFranco said. North Port Mayor Jim Blucher directed the city manager from North Port to work with his counter part in Venice on a plan. Let those guys hammer it out to see if there is something to do, he said. Email: ggiles@venicegondolier.comJAILFROM PAGE 1 The Sarasota County School District dropout rate for 2012-13 improved compared to the previous year, but the graduation rate decreased slightly, according to the Florida Department of Education gures released recently. Graduation rates are calculated by comparing the number of students who start in a public high school as freshmen to the number of students in the same class who graduate four years later. The dropout rate indicates the number of students who drop out in a single year. According to Sarasota County school spokesman Scott Ferguson, federal regulations require each state to calculate a grad uation rate that includes standard diplomas but excludes both regular and adult General Educational Development certicates, and special diplomas awarded to some students with disabilities who dont meet the requirements for standard diplomas. The 2012-13 graduation rate for Sarasota County high schools is 76.2 per cent, which is higher than the state graduation rate of 75.6 percent but down from its 2011-12 graduation rate of 78 per cent. Sarasota Countys graduation rate has been consistently higher than the state percentage since 2003-04. Sarasota Schools Superintendent Lori White said that she was pleased Sarasota Countys dropout rate for the 2012-13 school year was 1.5 percent, an improvement from the 2011-12 dropout rate of 2.2 percent. Venice Highs graduation rate also went down slightly, from 74.8 percent to 73.9. The VHS dropout rate im proved from 2.1 percent to 1.2 percent.Grad rate, dropout rate both downBy ANNE KLOCKENKEMPERSTAFF WRITER Direct Phone Numbers: General Office 207-1000 Newsroom 207-1000 Circulation 207-1300 Advertising 207-1220 Classified 429-3110 Editorial/Welcome Home/Newsroom Fax 484-8460 Classified Fax 866-949-1426 /Advertising Fax 485-3036 Toll Free 1-866-357-6204 Sunline Internet Services 888-512-6100 Community Web Site http://www.venicegondolier.com Publisher: Tim Smolarick Editor: Ron Dupont Jr. President: Derek Dunn-Rankin Printed on recycled paper. USPS (221-700) ISSN (1536-1063) The Venice Gondolier Sun is published every Wednesday and Weekend by The Sun. 200 East Venice Avenue, Venice, Florida 34285. Periodicals Postage paid at Venice, Florida and additional mailing centers. Home Delivery Wed. & Weekend Rate Newspaper designated market Venice, Laurel, Nokomis, Englewood (Sarasota Co.) 13 wks. $16.26 26 wks. $27.57 52 wks. $50.44 EZ PAY $3.50/month TV Times is optional $.10 a Wk Waterline is optional $.10 a Wk Mail Delivery 13 wks. $21.84 26 wks. $41.34 52 wks. $73.32 Single Copy Wed. 75 Weekend 75 CUSTOMER SERVICE POLICY: If you do not receive your newspaper by 6 a.m., please call the Circulation Dept. at 207-1300 and a newspaper will be brought to you. CUSTOMER SERVICE HOURS: Mon., Tues., Thurs. & Fri. 8 a.m. 5 p.m. Wed. 6 a.m. 5 p.m. Sat. 6 a.m.-11 a.m. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to Venice Gondolier Sun, Circulation Department, 200 E. Venice Ave., Venice FL 34285. 7% Tax Included Foreign rates upon request Name Address City State Zip Phone Mastercard ( ) Visa ( ) Expiration Date Charge card number Signature SUBSCRIBE TODAY! Enclosed is a check for______and mail to the address below, attn. Circulation. 475565 Gondolier SunVENICELOCAL NEWS COVER TO COVER FLORIDAS NO.1 WEEKLY NEWSPAPER 481776 Center Rd. Corporation Way Venice Ave. 41 By Pass 105 Corporation Way Venice richardscarpetwarehouse.com 488-3900 Carpet Tile Hardwood Vinyl SOLO SMARTSTRAND C arpet installed with pad EVERY DAY 1.99 SQ FT. Lifetime stain and soil warranty VISIT OUR SHOWROOM FEATURING THE BEST QUALITY BRANDS Hours: Monday-Friday 9-5 Covering Covering The Area The Area Since 1971 Since 1971 Happy Happy New Year New Year from from r fn tbtr f fffbff bbMemberofthemedicalstaff rfrfnftb r r bbbbr r f ntnbrnnf nf tnnnf tt rfnf f r bbbbr r f ntnbrnnf nf tnnnf ttn 481380 481805 Call today for a FREE Confidential Consultation 941-486-9400 481707 P ENZELL T AX S ERVICES (Northern Trust Bank Building) 901 Venetia Bay Blvd., Suite 210-240 Venice, FL 34285 www.penzelltaxservices.com All Communications are Privileged and Confidential 8 yrs IRS Agent 30 yrs Practicing CPA 30 yrs Representing Clients with IRS & State Sales or other Tax Problems IRS & STATE TAX* Representations *Including State Sales Tax Audits If you are concerned about a Tax Audit or the possibility of a Tax Audit, call Andrew Penzell, CPA. RICHARD'SWAREHOUSE---------------------------------------------------------(AMERICAN CRAFT S.'1 dPuntd hiSU111vdH StreetCrdft Festival1--A-iFJanuary 11th & 12th, 2014Saturday & Sunday 1 Oam-5pmFree AdmissionLocated on Sullivan Street in Punta Gorda, FL.L+Take 1-75 to Exit 164 at US-17. Head west on US-17and go approximately one mile to Sullivan Street.For more information calla._ 813-962-0388 or 561-746-6615.nbibVENICE REGIONALMEDICAL CENTER oti Bayfront HealthThe best healthcare under the sun.

PAGE 6

BUSINESS MATTERSCONTACT US RONALD DUPONT JR. EDITOR 941-207-1218 rdupont@venicegondolier.com SUN NEWSPAPERS 6A WEDNESDAY JANUARY 8, 2014 Wendy Kreiss-Parkin and Howard Parkin will do and take care of any thing as long as it is legal, moral and ethical in their new business, When and How Concierge Services of South Venice. They provide errand services just give them your to-do or shopping list. As your lifestyle managers, they research by computer large purchases or places for a vacation, make reservations and more. For weddings, signicant anniversaries and life celebrations, they will be your event planner, transporter and caterer. They will assist with vehicle management, home remodeling, pet-sitting and home watch for absentees. From Bridgewater, N.J., Wendy graduated from the University of Michigan with a Bachelor of Science degree from the School of Natural Resources, then went into nancial services. In New Jersey, she became an integrated massage therapist working in all specialties for six years, then moved to Venice. Hanging out at the beach, she decided to start a business and chose their rst names Wendy for When and Howard for How, then added Concierge Services. They researched then joined a national concierge organization. The ofce hours are 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., seven days a week. Call 941-525-2947.Lifetime awardIn recognition of her long, successful career and the contributions she has made and continues to make to the real estate profession, Maia Morrison received the Lifetime Achievement Award from the Venice Area Board of Realtors. A broker-associate with RE/MAX Platinum Realty Venice at 307 W. Venice Ave., she joined the Venice Area Board of Realtors in 1976, became president in 1987 and is currently treasurer. A longtime Venice resident, Morrison owned her own real estate company before joining RE/MAX. Call 941-266-2049.Unique progressive dinnerTake the Taste of Culture Progressive Dinner visiting the Cultural Campus, museum and archives, library, Community Center and Art Center, on Friday, Jan. 24, at 6 p.m. Food by the Java Caf. Tickets: $40, limited seating; call 941-485-7136.One-of-a-kind artLoving the ocean because it inspires her most to create all her art, Lorene Hill opened Oceanmuse at 312 Laurel Road in Laurel Square next to the old Laurel Post Ofce. A photographer, she has unique, oneof-a-kind photography, pottery, weaving, spinning and knitting. The art features a wide range of beach, surng, underwater, sunset, lighthouse and Asian photography. She makes pottery coffee cups, bowls, plates and Japanese good-luck keepsakes and shisa dog sets, and spins wool shawls, purses and hats. She repurposes furniture, such as a door redesigned to be a headboard and picture frames from windows. It is an eclectic store, having a little bit of every thing, said Hill, a native of Maine who spent 13 years in the military as an Air Force survival instructor, eight of those on the tropical island of Okinawa. Retiring to North Port, she has spent ve years selling her art to galleries and at farmers markets until deciding to open this store, open from 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. weekdays and Saturday mornings. Call 941-441-5822.Help to lose weightIf an eight-week, straightforward exercise camp offering helpful instruction in a no-pressure environment would benet you, contact Dorian Mattox, Venice Community Center program coordinator. She is staging a Beginner Boot Camp at the Community Center, 326 S. Nokomis Ave., on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 10:30 a.m. to 11.30 a.m. in Venice. Instructor J.D. Doyle works closely with each camper designing exercis es, helping attendees lose weight and inches in just eight weeks, said Mattox. Call 941-861-5000.Community mournsBusinesspeople are such an asset to our community, and a week ago we lost such an entrepreneur. At 52, David Yarzab, general manager of Venice Yacht Club and a member of Venice-Nokomis Rotary Club, died as a result of a trafc accident. While enjoying his hobby of motorcycling, he was seriously injured in Nokomis when a vehicle pulled in front of him. He died shortly after at Sarasota Memorial Hospital. Yarzabs career epitomized the American dream. In 26 years, he obtained promotion from maintenance to become general manager. He will be remembered for unselsh commitment to help any and all who called upon his services in this community. A celebration of life takes place this Sunday at 11 a.m. at the Venice Yacht Club.Certification awardMichael Long, senior vice president of Merrill Lynchs ofce at 871 Venetia Bay Blvd., recently earned the Certied Private Wealth Advisor certication. Its an award for those who are trained to work with high net worth clients during their wealth life cycle: accumu lation, preservation and distribution. A resident of Nokomis, he joined the company in 1978. Call 941-486-3903. Editors Note: Service and product information in this column should not be taken as an endorsement of the business. Send your news of a news business opening, an expansion, a relocation or other signicant event to rogerbutton@verizon.net.They do it all: errands, research, pet sitting, moreBy ROGER BUTTON Every year, more than 700 people die from ladder accidents. The major cause is carrying something while trying to climb the ladder. A local inventor has built and is selling a prod uct that could prevent many of those falls, stopping many fatalities. Everyone needs a Buddy Bucket when they are painting is the slogan of inventor Dan Dattilo of Nokomis. The two-piece buddy bucket is a paint bucket that ts into a holder that can be attached to the painters waist belt or held by hand. Designed with input from engineers and tradespeople, it is ergonomically styled for the users maximum accessibility, comfort and suitability. There are ttings in the holder for the user to insert screwdrivers, painters scraper, and hooks to attach cleaning cloths. The handle of the bucket is shaped to provide a comfortable and muscle relaxing grip. The idea came to Dattilo, who has a background in the construction industry and operated his own business remodeling kitchens, baths and roong of commercial and residential properties. I was on a ladder painting a ceiling when the homeowner, a lady, called me down, Dattilo said. We discussed the painting job; then I decid ed to move the ladder, forgetting the gallon of paint on the top which fell, splattered over her and the kitchen oor. Frantically, I cleaned-up the fast-drying paint on the oor while she watched, laughing at my misfortune. The incident prompted him to decide there had to be a better way of managing paint cans. Considering the existing holster holders available at hardware stores, he found they too were unstable when attached to the painters belt. He ignored his idea because he was fullling major commercial renovation contracts traveling around New Hampshire, until 2001 when he was involved in a really bad accident. A young student fell asleep while driving and hit Dattilo head-on, causing very serious injuries. It was a long recovery with no likelihood of returning to his job and business, eventually to leave him with permanent neck and back injuries. Unable to work, with a lot of free time, he recalled the incident of the falling paint can. Research indicated all the existing buckets dripped paint, a problem he resolved to overcome with a new design. Experimenting with paper and card buckets tting into various holder designs proved successful. Designing a non-drip bucket tting into a holder with a belt attachment, he consulted with engineers and painters. The next move was patents, and to save great expense, he wrote his own, a difcult process because they have to be shown to be different from all other existing patents. On average, only 3 percent of patents awarded are actually commercialized. Some two years later, he chose a Chinese manufacturer to produce the Buddy Bucket system. The plastic non-drip bucket ts into a holder that is attached securely and upright to the pants belt worn by most painters, amateur and professional. The most expensive part is the bucket, which had to be made in two parts with the edge at an angle for the paint to drip back into the bucket. Incorporated in the bucket is a strong magnet to grip the brush, holding it at an angle so the paint drips back into bucket. Fittings in the holder provide for accessories, screwdrivers, an all-pur pose tool and hooks for rag holders. Prototypes have been tested by several users, and a week ago, Dattilo received his rst 1,200 B uddy B uckets. Priced for retail at $24.95, he plans to visit all the local paint stores initially. Having lined up nancing should he get a million dollar order, he will in due course approach major hardware supermarkets. Overall, it has already cost me more than $100,000 even though I have done much of the work, and that cost does not include the product manufacture, he said. The Buddy System tooling in the U.S. would have been $40,000 so I had to take it to China where it cost $4,000. Dattilos company is Big Boy Industries, and he welcomes business inquiries by mail to 1532 U.S. 41 Bypass S., #252 or to his website: EveryoneNeedsaBuddy. com.Local uses event to invent Buddy BucketBy ROGER BUTTONBUSINEWS COLUMNIST PHOTO BY ROGER BUTTONInventor Dan Dattilo of Nokomis displays the specially designed Buddy holder with tools and cloth accessories and the Buddy Bucket. It is going to be a Family Fun Weekend at the Venice Airport Festival Grounds at the South Circus Bridge when Rotarians stage their 22nd Festival of Arts & Crafts with entertainment, boats, cars and much more. This year, there is an early start with the new Rock With Rotary on Friday evening, Jan. 17 from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. It is an evening of rocking, rolling, eating and drinking as the Gas House Gorillas Band entertains. The show begins at 7 p.m. as this hot-and-heavy ve-piece band goes into action. The band includes Renee Adorna, vocalist, with her husband Tommy, drummer/vocals; Michael Cochran, lead singer/ guitar/ keyboards; Mike Opeka, lead guitar/ vocals and Cuinn Grifn, bass guitar/keyboards/ background vocals.They are guaranteeing a great party and admission is only $10 advance and $15 on the night. The Art & Crafts Festival opens at 9 a.m. on Saturday, Jan. 18 and continues until 4 p.m. Sunday Jan. 19 with so much to see and enjoy for all ages. For the younger visitors, there is the new childrens fun playground, launched last year and proved a great success. Climbing the rock wall, water walking, bungee jumping and having fun in the bounce house are favorites. A visit to the Childrens Art tent will enlighten all ages with the ne design techniques of the younger members of our community. The 2014 Duck Pluck is for all the family. Everyone purchasing ducks has the opportunity to win a veor six-day cruise for two, all expenses paid, plus additional prizes every hour. There is even a childrens duck pluck where youngsters can pluck a duck for a buck from the childrens pool and win a prize every time. You may see the Venice High School Rotary Interact teenagers assisting. All proceeds from this contest go to benet the Rotary Futures program, which helps students of all ages nd scholarships available around the country. Fine art purveyors will display to sell their beautiful designs and creations; look for your favorite jewelry from crafters and many other intriguing items at the plentiful booths. As usual, the Venice Nokomis Rotarian chefs will be cooking delicious succulent hot dogs, hamburgers and more to enjoy throughout your day visit. Relax with a beer, soda, water or ice cream. Members of the Venice Region of the Antique Automobile Club of America will attend on Saturday, bringing antique vehicles from the early 1900s to classics, custom cars and hot rods of modern time. On Sunday, the Suncoast British Car Club will display cars from the 1930s to the present day, including famous British marques such as AC, Austin, Austin-Healey, Bentley, DeLorean, Land Rover, Lotus, MG, Morgan, Jaguar, MiniCooper, Morris, Sunbeam, Rolls Royce, and Triumph. MarineMax associates will show their latest boats, and you can take an onboard tour at the show to get the feel of the quality in design and availability for next day delivery. Entertainment introduced a few years ago has proven such a favorite with visitors that the Rotarians again this year have an excellent line-up of local and national talent. Returning again is Rotarian Ken McBride, an international enter tainer originally from the emerald isle. Hell be hitting the high notes with all the popular favorites, including his Irish heritage specials and fun comments throughout. In addition, watch and listen to The Shames, The Rockadiles, The Little Notes and more. So little time to see and enjoy so much; please come early and stay late, because it is the nest value you will get and enjoy for just $2. Children under 12 are free and dont worry about bringing the car or vehicles because all the parking is free. The Venice Rotary Club stages this threeday festival to ensure they continue providing to local organizations, including the Boy Scouts who manage the parking, Big Brothers Big Sisters, Laurel Civic Association, SPARCC, Venice Theater, Venice Symphony and more.Big family fun event to last three daysBy ROGER BUTTONBUSINEWS COLUMNIST PHOTO PROVIDEDGas House Gorillas will be Rocking with Rotary in a special family show at the Festival Grounds. TFIM7tIi1rEEI Hr'N

OPINION 8A WEDNESDAY JANUARY 8, 2014 SUN NEWSPAPERS GONDOLIER SUN EDITOR RONALD DUPONT JR. PHONE: 941-207-1218 rdupont@venicegondolier.com PUBLISHER TIM SMOLARICK PHONE: 941-207-1010 FAX: 941-484-8460 Panhandlers. Im calling about all the panhandlers in back of the Publix Shopping Plaza on U.S. 41 in Venice. Cant we do something about them? They are pathetic looking, and I dont think we need them. At least tell people not to give them anything. That will make them go away. Water Plan. To City Council: Open your minds. Listen to your constituents. Keep your consultant recommending an underground ltration system which decreases bacteria count similar to that in normal groundwater. Sounds like this can be done for about the same price as your plan to dump untreated water on any part of our wonderful beach. Open your minds. Water Spin. I am calling in response to the article about the solution thats in the works for solving our contamination issues at Venice Beach. We should now call Venice Spin City because that is all the Gondolier has done regarding this article and this issue. This is spin. The title of the article reads, City to dump untreated bacteria on the beach. Well, that is exactly whats been going on all these years, and thats why our beach gets closed repeatedly. Some years as many as four or ve times. The solution is what engineers hired by the city of Venice have come up with. These are professionals; this is their job. This is not a bunch of Golden Beach residents. The same residents that thought they could put one over on the FAA and get our desirable air port closed; which, of course, they failed after costing all of us a ton of money. Now how much is this going to cost us, the rest of the residents, to keep our beach safe? We are talking about a swale up in the dunes. You would not be able to stand at the waters edge and see the swale. We are now and have been dumping our untreated bacteria on the beach! Now the plan is to nally stop doing that. What is the problem here? How about spin the other way, and make our beach safe. Water Praise. What the 53 Venice residents who endorsed the Jan. 4 Guest Column entitled City to dump untreated bacteria on beach failed to mention is that the untreated bacteria from those two major outows on the island has been running across our beach and into our Gulf for many, many years. Instead of crying, Not my backyard, why not applaud the city and the engineers involved who have worked very hard in the past two or more years. Now we can conrm the source of the problem but to offer what appears to be a viable and expedient solution in the form of that eco-bio swale. Its a great rst step at solving this ongoing problem, and if there are any negative effects, surely they can be addressed just as expediently in the future. Water Eyesore. Regarding the Guest Column City to dump untreated bacteria on beach: I agree entirely with the Guest Column. I would have signed it happily; and Im glad somebody is doing something to deter the Venice City Council from a precipitous, illadvised approach to a problem that has been on Venice Beach for many years. Yes, occasionally, it has to close. Putting an open eyesore on the beach will not help that situation and, in fact, it seems absurd. All it takes is a big storm to wash all of that immediately into the Gulf. There has to be a better way; and the fact this is being done so precipitously leads me to believe that there are other interests involved than the citys people. Water & Storms. I am calling about the citys decision to put bacteria on part of our beautiful Venice Beach. What happens when we have a tor rential rain or any rain, for that matter. Doesnt all the bacteria then go directly into the Gulf? The Letem Have It line allows readers to sound off on issues of local interest. Opinions expressed here are solely those of the callers. Personal attacks on private individuals; attacks on or commercials for specic businesses; local candidate endorsements or attacks during election season; or opinions or comments other wise unt for publication will not be printed. If you would like to participate, call the line at 941-207-1111. Call no more than once a week. Please keep your comments brief. The line is available all hours. Caller identication is not required. LETTERS WELCOMELetters to the editor are welcome on virtually any subject. They must be signed and give the writers address and telephone number for verifica tion. Letters of more than 250 words may be edited for length. We do not publish letters that condemn or praise business service. We do not publish poetry, open letters or letters to third parties. Letters from the same person will not be published more than once a month. Send or bring your letter to the Venice Gondolier Sun, 200 E. Venice Ave., Venice FL 34285. You can also fax signed letters to 941-484-8460 or email them to rdupont@ venicegondolier.com. For more information, call 941-207-1000. OUR VIEWMeeting between Venice, North Port was a positive oneRelations got snippy last year when North Port city commissioners proposed holding a joint meeting with Venice city council members to discuss issues of mutual interest. A routine request escalated into a political standoff. At rst, the offer was rebuffed by the Venetians, some of whom said they were afraid of being dragged into a Bash Sarasota County match by their counterparts in North Port. They considered the North Porters anti-business and antagonistic to the county. They wanted more distance, not less. The meeting was scheduled, though, and the two boards nally sat down together Monday afternoon at a big conference room at the Morgan Family Community Center in North Port. There was a sizable crowd of citizens for a Monday afternoon. Four city police ofcers manned the event, which seemed an over-the-top precaution. No reworks, though. Never a discouraging word, in fact. The two boards managed to sit down and discuss a broad variety of issues cordially. They tended to agree on a number of things, some of which were lightweight issues and others that could have signicant consequences. And they did open what seemed to be a friendly line of communication, which is always positive. Most of the specics involved the standard fare for these types of meet ings. The two boards suggested ways they may work together to improve water quality and ways to cross-promote each citys events and festivals. There was a presentation on proposed bicycle recreation trails between the two cities and discussion of Wi-Fi capabilities. The need for a covered swimming pool was discussed. Most of those issues, put on the agenda at the urging of North Port Commissioner Cheryl Cook, were punted to staff for further consideration. Typical for these meetings: Decision-makers agree to investigate and staff ends up with more work. Who knows? Something may come of it. But two matters brought by Venice ofcials had real heft. Both boards agreed to study the possibility of establishing a municipal services taxing unit for the county Sheriffs Ofce, something that could lead to lower tax rates for city residents. The idea, championed by Venice Mayor John Holic, could gain more traction with the support of both boards. They also agreed to look into how they might reopen the prisoner holding facility in Venice that was recently closed by the Sheriffs Ofce. In the end, this seemed a productive meeting, despite the fact that Venice City Council Members Jeanette Gates and Bob Daniels had chosen not to attend. The tone was upbeat. No gratu itous county-bashing occurred. The only alliances formed seemed to be healthy ones. All positive. Dental emergency leads to frantic callsOne can only guess what this year marked as 2014 will bring the world, our country and our community over the next year. I am sure we all have a list of things we would enjoy experiencing become reality. Ironically, my buddy Ethan in Venice has already seen some unfortunate luck as he lost the motor off his boat he received as a Christmas present over the weekend. Certainly, this is not what he had hoped the New Year would bring. Couple that with his precious Chicago Bears not playing in 2014 and this poor guy has not started out 2014 well. There is hope as he is an industrious one and has started his very own motor fund. Knowing this kid, he will be back on the water soon as he has the heart of a lion and the determination of Ferris Bueller. In fact, he just could be a Bueller. My luck was not much better as Monday I had a major dental emergency, which in the scheme of things does not feel all that bad unless you are freakishly weird about dentists. I have a dentist in Tampa who after years coerced me into letting him do dental work on me. He is the only person allowed to work on my teeth and I have to tell you that after 15 years, I nally agreed to recognize him on all the paperwork as my dentist. I dont like the whole dentistry thing. Anyway, this emergency occurred at 12:30 p.m. I had a major meeting with our Best Of Venice committee at 3 p.m.; there is no way I am going to make it to Tampa. So I leave the ofce almost panicky. I dont like anyone working in my mouth, let alone a stranger, but I have to be at the meeting. I call our medical rep, Charleen Myers, for assistance with my dental emergency. Charleen can be a very concerned and helpful person when challenged with an obstacle and begins the questioning. I am a guy; I dont want to answer questions when I am 100 percent. When there is a dental emergency, I really dont want to be involved in an interrogation. After 30 minutes of answering questions, Charleen felt condent enough to call a dentist client of ours to x my issue. Bad luck again. They were not in the ofce. Charleen calls back, and more questions, more time out the window and we have a referral. In the meantime, I do what every man does when there is no hope in sight, we call her the wife or girlfriend as we have made all efforts to x said problem. After answering all questions again, its like they have a check off list for questions designed for any scenario ever my girlfriend springs into action in Sarasota. We are now past 1 p.m. and I am sweating that I will not be ready for the meeting. Charleen comes through with a referral. As I am talking to her refer ral, it is determined that they dont have all of the needed material for this emergency and asks me to call Davis and Beyer, Dental Health Professionals. This team went into action from the rst contact. I was told to come in and they would get me in right away and I would make the meeting. I call my girlfriend and tell her my problem is solved as I am driving toward the destination. Now she has to cancel all plans she has made, but lucky for me she is not angry. Upon reaching the location, I was asked to ll out paper work, but was told by the lady up front I would not have time to nish it as the dentist would call me in right away. That did happen. The dentist and his assistant had me in the chair and numbed up in ve minutes, assuring me that the numb feeling would be gone by 2:30 p.m. They did their thing on my emergency and had me on my feet and out the door in record time. The entire staff was accommodating, focused and knew the job that needed to be done. More importantly, they performed the task awlessly. Davis and Beyer, on this day you were my National Champion as you saved my day, and you stayed focused on the entire 60 minutes, not just 59. Perhaps the Auburn Tigers could learn a lesson from this staff.WHAT SHOULD VENICE DO ABOUT THE BEACH POLLUTION PROBLEM? CALL US AT 941-207-1111. MISSION STATEMENTTo be the superior quality, low-cost provider of information and adver tising in the local communities we serve. We will continuously improve: the value of information provided to our customers; the value and results for our advertisers; the quality of life in our communities; the return on our stockholders investment while providing a fair, challenging and rewarding workplace for productive employees.Let em Have It Tim Smolarick JUDGE OVERTURNS GOV. SCOTT'SWELFARE DRUG TESTING PROGRAMNIE.s?AK%3`1

PAGE 9

WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 8, 2014 SUN NEWSPAPERS 9A Virginia F. Hattaway Virginia Frances Hattaway died Wednesday, Jan. 1, 2014. She was born April 20, 1958. Beloved daughter, sister, wife, mother and friend to many, she is survived by her husband, Michael Hattaway, of Parrish, Fla.; daughter, Deanna Heim (Donna Thomas) of Parrish, Fla.; son, Joshua Hattaway of Montgomery, Ala.; granddaughter, Olivia Heim; father, Burton Roe, of Punta Gorda, Fla.; four sisters, Debbie David (Calvin), Sharon Chandler (Chris), Valerie Davis (JR) and Kristine Magee (John); and countless nieces, nephews, extended family and friends. She was predeceased by her beloved mother, Elmira Culp Roe. Services: A Celebration of Life Service will be held at 2 p.m., Saturday, Jan. 11, at South Venice Baptist Church, 3167 Englewood Road, Venice, Fla. Contributions: In lieu of owers, the family requests memorial donations be made to a favorite charity.Alanda M. HolderAlanda M. Holder, 55, of Venice, Fla., died Wednesday, Jan. 1, 2014. She was born Dec. 2, 1958, in Easton, Pa., and moved to Venice in 1970 from there. She was a graduate of Venice High School and worked at Tervis Tumbler as a graphic designer. Survivors include her husband of 37 years, Harold; three sons, Harold, Richard and Robert Holder; her mother, Ruth Van Horn; sisters, Lanale Martin and Mae Tapp, and brother Chester Van Horn, all of Sarasota County; and four grandchildren.Thomas R. Riggs Thomas Tom Ray Riggs, of Englewood, Fla., died Tuesday, Dec. 31, 2013. He was 81. Tom was born to Ruth and Ransom Riggs in Camp Atterbury, Ind., on Jan. 22, 1932. Tom graduated from Southport High School. Tom joined the Navy during the Korean War and was stationed in Japan. After being discharged, Tom started Riggs Construction Company and spent many years as a contractor in Indiana. He relocated Riggs Construction Company to Sarasota County in the 1970s and built many commercial and residential buildings in Sarasota and Charlotte counties. He was a member of the Venice VFW and American Legion. Tom was preceded in death by his son Tim Riggs. Tom is survived by his wife, Priscilla Riggs, and children Peggy Linton (Marc Linton), Susan Cone (Andrew Cone) and Garrett Riggs. He also leaves 11 grandchildren and one great-grandchild. Services: Services will be held Saturday, Jan. 25, at 1 p.m. at the VFW Post in Englewood, Fla.Jean Y. Rose Jean Young Rose, 104, born Nov. 27, 1909, in Middletown, N.Y., and having lived in Sarasota County since 1971, passed away Christmas morning, Wednesday, Dec. 25, 2013, following a brief illness. She was a retired registered nurse, having worked for the state of Connecticut Health Department as a hospital and nursing home inspector consultant. During World War II, she was a member of the Army Nurse Corps, and remained an American Legion member. She was preceded in death by her parents, Horace and Jane Young; husband, William Rose; and son; Robert DeVilbiss. She leaves her grandchildren, Toni Clester Bonito, Robert DeVilbiss and Paul (Teresa) DeVilbiss; and great-grandchildren, Cory, Kyle, Jacob and Sara DeVilbiss, all of California. Locally, she leaves nieces Janet Williams of Estero, Fla., and Lind Aldrich of Nokomis, Fla., and grandnieces and -nephews, as well as dear friends and the loving staff of Village On The Isle. Services: There will be no local services. | OBITUARIES OBITUARY POLICYObituaries are accepted from funeral homes and crematories only. There is no charge for publishing an abbreviated death notice once. Full obituaries, notices of services and repeat death notices will be subject to charges. Obituaries should be emailed to smcintosh@venice gondolier.com and must include a phone number. For more information, call 941-207-1011. 480580 Tune-Up Your A/C & Heating System $49 95 REG. PRICE $69 In Business Since1946 Residential Climate Control Specialists SARASOTA 941-355-8511 1-800-767-3113 airnowtoday.com LIC. # CM-C020179 30 Step Tune Up Longer Life Higher Efficiencies Greater Capacity Fewer Breakdowns SAVE ENERGY with Our FREE Energy Audit 4-Day Hearing Event 2013 Starkey. All Rights Reserved. 12/13 21407-13_S9788 If you miss hearing one word out of a sentence, you are having a different conversation. Never miss a moment with our wireless technology! 1287USHwy.41BypassS Venice, FL 34285 (941) 531-9339 www.earresistiblehearing.com During this event, we will be offering the following services: FREE Otoscopic Evaluation FREE Audiometric Evaluation FREE Hearing Instrument Cleaning We look forward to meeting you! ATTENTION: Blue Cr oss Blue Shield Federal Employee and Empire Plan insurance holders Your providers may cover $2000 on a pair of hearing aids! Ask us for more details. We have hearing aids for every budget. 0% nancing with approved credit. $250 OFF a pair of wireless hearing aids. FREE lifetime supply of batteries and service. Recent Johns Hopkins Study Reveals Possible Link Between Hearing Loss and Dementia Family owned & Operated Chad Fonder, HAS, Hearing Aid Wearer Carol Bourbeau, P.C.C. Sue DeBauche, BC-HIS, 30 years experience Ashley Camblin-Toole, HAS 481037 481348 NEW WINE SELECTION! HAPPY HOUR NIGHTLY 4:30 6PM 2 FOR 1 Well Drinks, House Wines & Draft Beers CALL FOR PRIORITY SEATING 941-484-5187 PATIO DINING AVAILABLE 220 W. Miami Ave. Venice, Florida Serving The Best Food, Quality & Prices For 20 Years! Restaurant Altheas Seafood USDA Choice Beef Chicken Veal Maine Lobster Tails Rhode Island Fish N Chips Pasta We Have a Fabulous Variety of Dishes, Something for Everyone! Dinner Specials Change Weekly Now Offering: EARLY BIRD DINNER SPECIALS ALL NIGHT LONG! Open Daily Serving An Award Winning Breakfast Lunch Dinner B e s t V a l u e s L a r g e s t Best Values, Largest S e l e c t i o n s I n c l C r a f t Selections, Incl. Craft B e e r s a n d M i c r o b r e w s Beers and Microbrews 485-9440 485-9440 652B S. Tamiami Trail Venice Near Ntinos & Goodwill In Rialto Plaza 15% off any purchase exp 2/14/14 Cannot be used or combined with any other special or sale item. Planet Beer & Wine In Rialto Plaza Venice 481782 NOW OPEN L a r g e S e l e c t i o n Large Selection o f O r g a n i c N S A & of Organic, NSA & G l u t e n F r e e I t e m s Gluten-Free Items FREE LOCAL DELIVERY SHIPPING AVAILABLE SPECIAL CASE PRICING ($60 Mix & Match selected wines) (priced at $30 or more) LARGEST SELECTION OF CRAFT BEERS IN VENICE Specialty boutique of moderately priced beer and wine from around the globe! Best Prices in town! FRANCE Chateau Toutigeac Bordeaux (Red, Blanc Sec, Rose) 1/ $10 2/ $15 3/ $20 WASHINGTON STATE WINES Silver Lake 3/ $18 6/ $35 Orca $5 each Girly Girl 3/ $25 7/ $50 Sonoma Valley Hacienda (Cab Sauv, Chard, Merlot, Riesling) 750 ml 2/ $11 1.5 Liter 1/ $12 3/ $32 6/ $60 Look For Other Great Savings Throughout Our Store On Wines From Italy, Germany, South Africa, Brazil, Spain, Chile, Australia, New Zealand, Argentina, California, And Many More! 750 ml 2/ $9 1.5 Liter 1/ $9 2/ $17 3/ $25 6/ $50 Napa Valley Dona Sol and Long Lake (Cab Sauv, Chard, Merlot, Moscato, Sweet Red, White Zin) CALIFORNIA WINES Open Daily from 12pm 8pm and 24/7 Online at www. planetbeernwine .com Hearing Center1rDoJ -----------------------------------------------------------fir+r-'dass6/eHearing Centervpp-'qlpppqllr-Wlit&WINE"FLM-1 I1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1-1Q ''eTP,AiONowservice today or it's free0 1VISA

PAGE 10

SPORTSCONTACT US ROB SMITH SPORTS EDITOR 941-207-1107 rsmith@venicegondolier.com SUN NEWSPAPERS 10A WEDNESDAY JANUARY 8, 2014 HIGH SCHOOL WRESTLING SPORTS BRIEFSYMCA looking for lacrosse coachesThe Venice YMCA is presently looking for volunteer coaches to help organize and run a youth lacrosse league for children ages 5-13. Anyone with playing or coaching experience may contact Gary Smith, YMCA sports director, at 941-492-9622, ext. 158, or email GSmith@ VeniceYMCA.org.Swing for the Cure set for Feb. 17The Third Annual Swing for a Cure golf tournament will be held at the Venetian Golf and River Club Monday, Feb. 17. The event will benet the Scleroderma Foundation, which raises money for victims of Scleroderma, a chronic autoimmune disease. To learn more about Scleroderma, visit Scleroderma.org. Over 100 golfers have already signed up for the event. For more information, contact Cos Mallozzi at 3rdSwingForACure@ gmail.com.Venice Little League final registration Jan. 11Venice Little League is holding its nal The Venice High wrestling took fourth place at last weekends Southeast Duals, putting together an impressive overall performance in one of the seasons most competitive tournaments. CJ Trammell was Venices top individual performer, going 8-1 at 145 pounds. Bo Williams (7-2) and Zach Kelly (5-2) fared well at 120 and 126 pounds, respectively. The Indians went 6-3 in the 15-team event, finishing behind Brandon (9-0), Lakeland George Jenkins (8-1) and Tampa Jesuit (7-2).Trammell highlights strong showing at Southeast DualsBy ROB SMITHSPORTS EDITOR Right: Terry PolkHIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALLVenice High offensive lineman Tyler Gauthier and running back Terry Polk were both named 7A second-team AllState selections Tuesday morning. Gauthier, a 6, 290-pound junior who started every game at left tackle and also played defensive tackle, anchored the Indians explosive rushing attack. Polk, a senior, was the primary beneciary, racking up 1,728 rushing yards, breaking the schools single-season record. The Indians nished the season with an 8-3 record. Gauthier, Polk earn All-State honorsSTAFF REPORT SUN PHOTO BY JUSTIN FENNELLVenice running back Terry Polk breaks a tackle against Riverview in September. Polk and oensive tackle Tyler Gauthier were named 7A secondteam All-State selections Tuesday. SUN FILE PHOTOSTyler Gauthier COURTESY PHOTO BY LOGAN BALSINGER Venices Bo Williams controls his opponent during a match at the Southeast Duals in Bradenton. Williams went 7-2 in the 120-pound class.BRIEFS | 11 HIGH SCHOOL BASKETBALLSophomore forward Taylor Angelo has been a starter for the Venice Indians since the day she stepped on campus. After going through some offensive struggles, Indians coach Jim Davis decided to use Angelo in a reserve role for Tuesdays contest against the Booker Tornadoes. Angelo responded with her best game of the season, scoring 19 points and pulling down five rebounds in leading the Indians to a 62-52 victory. Ive played terrible lately, Angelo said. Coach said he was going to do this and there wasnt much I could do about it. My teammates told me to keep my head up because they know what I can do. Davis said, She has been struggling for a few games and Im glad to see her attack the basket. She was finishing shots. For us to be successful this season, we need Taylor to play like this. Senior guard Maggie Flynn added 17 points, four rebounds, three assists and three steals as the Indians used a 19-2 run in the third quarter to take the lead and not look back. She is so much farther ahead than I thought she would be with her knee, Davis said. On offense she has so many weapons. On defense, she doesnt have the same lateral quickness, but its coming. The Tornadoes got out to a 12-4 lead in the first quarter before Venice closed with six straight points to only trail 12-10 after one. We missed like six layups, Davis said. Those were shots we normally make. It wasnt anything they were doing on defense, we just couldnt put the ball in the basket. Booker switched to a 1-3-1 trap in the second quarter and it confused the Indians. After tying the game at 20, the Tornadoes scored seven straight points to take a 27-20 lead. Yamaris Guevarez and Cellexia Foster scored seven points each in the quarter. Flynn scored five of Venices 13 points in the quarter to keep the Indians close. The 1-3-1 has wide gaps but theyre really athletic and close those gaps, Davis said. It took some adjusting on our part. The Tornadoes continued to frustrate the Indians, who had no answer for Foster and Guevarez. The two guards helped Booker extend its lead to 37-27 before the Indians went on a 17-0 run. Every Indian got involved as Angelo powered to the basket for layups, Flynn beat the Tornadoes in transition and Tiara Ward handled the offensive glass for easy points. The Indians took a 46-39 lead into the fourth quarter. We changed our defensive positioning, Davis said. We came more up the line so we could help on (Guevarez) without leaving our teammates out to dry. Venice continued their onslaught in the fourth as Flynn and Angelo continued to exploit mismatches. When I see someone like that in front of me, I attack the basket, Angelo said. Now that I know that I can do this, I will play better. The Indians also had a strong performance from the free-throw line, connecting on 15 of their 20 attempts. Shooting that well was huge for us, Davis said. Were good shooters and we did a great job. Along with Flynn and Angelo, Mariah Miller scored nine points and grabbed five rebounds. Ward scored eight points and led Venice with 12 rebounds. Guevarez led the Tornadoes with 18 points and eight assists, while Foster added 16 points.Angelo comes off bench to lead Indians over BookerBy NATE COWANSUN CORRESPONDENT PHOTO BY JUSTIN FENNELLMariah Miller scores two of her nine points in Venices 62-52 win over Booker Tuesday night. 481758 GO TEAM TUESDA YS! The junior forward had eight points and six rebounds in Venices 61-53 win over Palmetto Ridge Friday night. ATHLETE OF THE WEEK JANUARY 8 TH 2014 227 W. MIAMI AVE. VENICE ISLAND 941-451-8261 OPEN 7 DAYS A WEEK 7:30 AM 9 PM Come in TUESDAY NIGHT 1/14/14 from 5-9 PM w/ a VHS student, mention VHS Basketball and 10% of bill will be DONATED to them!!! DETER HUDSON 4q4-,UEni(E;

PAGE 11

WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 8, 2014 SUN NEWSPAPERS 11A As 2014 begins, I nd myself thinking back to the dramatic changes in my life since August 2012, when my wife and I retired to Venice and fell in love with the local ora and fauna, the vibrant colors, the exotic birdlife, and the mild temperature of the Gulf and its oh-so-wonderful beaches. Among the many miracles of our new life in retirement was a freedom I began experiencing after almost 50 years of working and raising a family. I was nally able to do whatever I really wanted to do. In beautiful Venice, I could now walk the beach, swim, photograph birds, ride a bike, and play golf not just 24/7, but 24/7/365! And I could en gage in all these outdoor endeavors without having to feel there was something more important that I ought to be doing rst. So, for most of 2013, I was intoxicated by a feeling of physical renewal. Was there any limit to the old muscles I could reinvigorate by using them in this burst of physical activity? I started playing golf at the Lakes of Venice course, and my new buddies, like former buddies up North, told me I had a smooth swing and that if I played a lot, Id be good. Well, I played twice a week for about a year, but didnt really get much better. As disappointment set in, I signed up for a lesson and Rebecca Johnson, the teaching pro at Capri Isles Golf Course, helped me understand (nally) that golf isnt just a physical game; its a cerebral one, too. Since August, Ive been contributing senior golf stories to the Venice Gondolier Sun. Writing a monthly column about golf has given me a chance to expand my perspective on the game. Primarily, I still play to be out amidst the beauty of the environment; but also for the exertion and the endlessly variable challenges the game presents. But in writing about golf, Ive also developed a genuine appreciation for the humor, desperation, and bravery of my fellow senior golfers. Ive also been learning how to learn how to improve and enjoy my golf skills, whatever they are and arent. I still love walking nine holes at Capri Isles in the late afternoons, often all alone on the course. Im vividly aware of the surroundings and of the physicality of walking and playing. It takes everything I have; my lower back acts up. After awhile I begin realizing that creating successful shots is not the same thing as being enraptured with these late afternoon walkabouts. When I ask a neighbor of mine who plays par golf what his secret is, he tells me to focus on putting rst, then chipping to isolate one type of shot after another and focus my practice on that one shot. So its not just about knocking myself out physically, no matter how happily, to the point of exhaustion and pain. Now I study YouTube teaching videos, then go out and work on one aspect of my game at a time. Worshipping the deity that is golf, I actually proclaimed my love of the game aloud a few evenings ago. What made me so happy was a steeply undulating practice green and the variety of interesting putts it required of this supplicant to the golf gods. I enjoyed the placement of the holes, right on hilly crests, so that even putts that just missed the cup by an inch, and almost died at the pin, could trickle down a steep slope and wind up 15 feet below the hole! Once again I was alone on a golf course at dusk, this time on a cool (for Florida), breezy, late December early evening. Walking alone to my car, still enjoying myself immensely from the challenges of the practice green, in the chilly December dusk, I heard myself proclaim, I love you, golf! Email MarkPoetry1@ gmail.com or visit Marks blog at MarkSeiden1. Wordpress.com. Golfs Old Magic: Reborn in Florida Mark Seiden registration for the spring season (ages 6-16) Saturday, Jan. 11, from 9 a.m. to noon at Chuck Reiter Field. All players (new and returning) must be registered by this date in order to participate. Visit VeniceLittleLeague.com for more information regarding required documentation. Boating class starts Jan. 18The Venice Sail and Power Squadron is offering its three-day squadron boating class beginning Saturday, Jan. 18, with the remaining courses being held Jan. 25 and Feb. 1. This class is open to the public and covers boat han dling, rules of the road, required equipment, PWC operation and trailering. The cost is $55/person, and successful completion qualies for the Florida Safe Boaters Certicate. Each session begins at 8:30 a.m. and ends at 1 p.m., and is held at the Waymire Training Center, located at 1450 Lucaya Ave. in Venice. For more information or to register, call Tim McGarr at 941-493-2837 (leave your name and phone number). Tim can also be reached via email at stilenraile@ verizon.net.BRIEFSFROM PAGE 10 G o l f D i r e c t o r y Golf Directory 5301 HERON CREEK BLVD., NORTH PORT Between US 41 & I-75 Exit 182 423-6955 Take a tour online at: DeepCreekGolf.com Nice People, Great Golf Call 625-6911 for Tee Times & Lessons Deep Creek Golf Club Open To The Public 27 Holes Lifetime Golf Rates 888-663-2420 www.sunnybreezegolf.com KINGSWAY COUNTRY CLUB BECOME A MEMBER FOR THE DAY 1 mile east off I-75 exit 170 (Kings Highway). Left at Kingsway Circle 941-625-8898 18 Hole Executive Length Course Exit 170 West on King Highway, P.C. www.kingsgatehomes.com PORT CHARLOTTE GOLF CLUB 22400 Gleneagle Ter. Pt. Charlotte 941-625-4109 www.portcharlottegc.com The Palms 697-8118 The Links 697-8877 The Hills 697-2414 Long Marsh 698-0918 Executive Golf Course Walk 9 holes for $12.00 863-993-2221 or 941-764-6700 12865 SW Hwy. 17, Arcadia Located near Wal-Mart Dist. Center COURSES 1350 Bobat Trail, North Port Call For Tee Times 941-429-0500 www.bobcattrailgc.com 50444859 COURSES RIVERWOOD GOLF CLUB Southwest Floridas Premier Destination 18 Hole Championship Course For Current Rates or to Book Tee Times Online www.riverwoodgc.com OR CALL (941) 764-6661 Call for tee times 941-474-7475 or book online at www.bocaroyale.com 1601 Englewood Rd., Englewood Public Welcome 941-474-1753 27 Holes of Tranquility Memberships Available Public Play Welcome 2550 S. River Rd., Englewood www.myakkapinesgolfclub.com Burnt Store Golf Club 941-637-1577 PUBLIC WELCOME Visit us @ 24315 Vincent Ave., Punta Gorda off Burnt Store Road Call for directions TWIN ISLES CC Championship Golf Course NOW ACCEPTING NON-MEMBER PLAY WHILE WE FILL OUR MEMBERSHIP ROSTER INQUIRE ABOUT RATES. Golf, Seasonal, Tennis & Social Memberships 301 Madrid Blvd., Punta Gorda 941-637-1232 ext. 2 www.twinislescc.org 2 for 1 SNOW BIRD SPECIAL 4-45 minute golf lessons Total cost person #1 $130.00 Total cost person #2 FREE (You and a partner split the cost!) Gary Bower, Dir. of Golf Teaching Pro. 614-527-9527A R C A D I A M U N I C I P A L ARCADIA MUNICIPAL G O L F C O U R S E GOLF COURSE 18 Holes USGA Rated $30 Play All Day 1769 N.E. Livingston St. (Highway 17 North) Arcadia Phone: 863-494-4223 Golf 18 Holes 7 Days a Week All Day Saturday & Sunday Special $20.00 Weekday Afternoon Special after 12:00pm $20 Mon F riday Seminole Lakes Country Club 1/2 mile south of Burnt Store Rd. on US 41 in Punta Gorda 941-639-5440 www.seminolelakes.net 18 Holes w/ cart $32 $29 $19 9 Holes w/ cart $21 $18 $14 After 3 pm Open Monday thru Sunday, 7am to 5pm All Day Sat., Sun. After 12pm Daily A Resident owned Community 2100 KINGS HIGHWAY PORT CHARLOTTE, FL 33980 941-629-1666 PAR 62 EXECUTIVE COURSE A FUN GOLF EXPERIENCE ALWAYS IN EXCELLENT CONDITION MEMBERSHIPS AVAILABLE LARRYS DRIVING RANGE New Bermuda Tee Areas 941-456-5612 11402 Kings Hwy 3 Mi. E of I-75 Exit 170 DRIVING RANGES CLASSES/LESSONS $39$59$49$29 r rfnt fntbfbn n r f ntbt nr fff btr fbtf rf nffftb rfrntr 50453439 $ 1 99 $29 Valid through 1/14/14. Not valid with other offers. www.Heron-Creek.com Rates valid through 1/14/14. Not valid with other offers. N o t h i n g Nothing C o m p a r e s Compares! 27-HOLE CHAMPIONSHIP GOLF COURSE DESIGNED BY AUTHUR HILLS Dinner served Wednesday, Thursday & Friday 5pm 8pm. Lunch 7 Days a Week 7-Day Advance Tee Times (941)-423-6955 $ 34 before 7: 3 0am $ 6 9 7: 3 0am to 1 2 : 3 0pm $ 59 After 1 2 : 3 0pm $ 34 After 1: 3 0pm rrf ntbbbfb DIABETES OR PROSTATE CANCER?rfnftbfrfffr rffrff frr ffrrrfrfr rrfffrrfr fr 800-777-1922 rrr rr 470568 808 Venice Ave. East 412-3800 TWIN PALMS CHIROPRACTIC www.twinpalmschiro.com JEWELL CHIROPRACTIC 579 S. Indiana Ave. #C 941474-4944 *THE PATIENT AND ANY OTHER PERSON RESPONSIBLE FOR PAYMENT HAS A RIGHT TO REFUSE TO PAY, CANCEL PAYMENT, OR BE REIMBURSED FOR PAYMENT FOR ANY OTHER SERVICE, EXAMINATION, OR TREATMENT THAT IS PERFORMED AS A RESULT OF AND WITHIN 72 HOURS OF RESPONDING TO THE ADVERTISEMENT FOR THE FREE, DISCOUNTED FEE, OR REDUCED FEE SERVICE, EXAMINATION, OR TREATMENT. Lic# 14016 MM14015 481052 1 HOUR www.twinpalmswellness.com $ 39 EXAM INCLUDES: Chiropractic Exam andtwo X-Rays If Necessary WELLNESS SCAN $ 99 Computerized Assessment Customized Nutritionals Reg. Price $120.00 Expires 1/31/14 MASSAGE $ 10 OFF www.twinpalmswellness.com Reg. Price $145.00 Exp 1/31/14 Dan Busch, DC Robert Devine, DC Bobbi-Jo Donner, DC Erene Romanski, DC Reg. $70.00. First massage only. Exp 1/31/14 HOURS: MONDAY & FRIDAY 8:00-5:30 TUES 9:00-5:00 WED 8:00-6:30 THURSDAY 8:00-5:00 $ 799 LASER LIPO THE INTELLIGENT ALTERNATIVE TO LIPOSUCTION NO PAIN NO NEEDLES NO DOWN TIME 941-412-3800 Lipovenice.com 481713 150 Pond Cypress Rd. Venice www.doordepotinc.com 941-412-1883 Impact Garage Doors, Hurricane Shutters, Entry Doors, Screen Doors, Gates, Openers, Impact Windows, Front Entry & Interior Doors GARAGE DOOR IMPACT RATED. QUALIFIES FOR CITIZENS INSURANCE DISCOUNT. $ 1238 Normal Installation 16x7 Double Door $ 299 00 Quiet 1/2 HP Motor, 2 Intellicode Transmitters. 5 Year Motor Warranty. Where Quality Products And Customer Service Are Still #1 CHAIN LIFT OPENER Installed *Ad Must Be Presented At Time Of Sale. Exp. 1-31-14 I Ioefof SW Flntlda. INC. -''o i'i I -~ I I I I Ii. I' I I I I_ II I I I I I I I I&1 CCU FdIiIYFdlCCIIIIll. ryGOLF CCOQJII{ Z EUaOPEN TO THE PUBLICTEE TIMES0941-625-06800 -D 0r___ gci1TLNoWigCoMpa*estHERONCREEK---------------------------------------

VENUE 3B SOUTH TRAIL 4B AROUND TOWN 8BWEDNESDAY JANUARY 8, 2014 CONTACT US KIM COOL FEATURES EDITOR 941-207-1000 kcool@venicegondolier.com SUN NEWSPAPERSOUR TOWN Lost, hungry and abandoned just a few months ago, three lucky cats are experiencing a new leash on life this year. St. Francis Animal Rescue has had a few remarkable rescue efforts recently. The no-kill cat and kitten shelter and adoption center in Venice was able to return a stray cat found in North Carolina to its owners in Venice, who were seasonal residents preparing to head back up north.Returning CruiserAmy Burke, manager at St. Francis Animal Rescue, said she received a phone call from a rescue shelter in North Carolina that had found a cat and the microchip matched an address in Venice. We contacted the people and they were packing up to leave the very next day they were overjoyed, said Burke. This is a true testament that microchips do work and can really make a difference when pets get lost. John Gordon, a North Carolina pilot who volunteers for Pilots N Paws, a network of private pilots who donate their time and their planes to transport rescue animals, offered to y Cruiser home. The North Carolina shelter agreed to board him until his ight back. Two weeks later, Cruiser landed in Venice. In spite of being conned in a carrier for over 12 hours in a small Cessna airplane with a stranger, Cruiser calmly greeted us with one quiet meow, Burke said. Cruiser settled in at the shelter and became our self-appointed ofce kitty. Cruiser was reunited with his family six weeks later. Fixing HollyWhen Rick and Marilyn Thomas found Holly, a beautiful brown and white cat, she was emaciated, could barely move and her right front leg looked like it was broken at the joint. They immediately called Shelley Kingsbury and Kurt Winter at the Punta Gorda Animal Hospital. Dr. Kingsbury saw the little stray as the last patient of the day. Her paw was separated from her leg and there was an open puncture wound in that area. She vowed to save her. After a thorough examination, the doctor suspected the leg bone was badly infected and the leg would have to be amputated. Rick was on the hunt for a shelter that would take a three-legged cat. St. Francis Animal Rescue offered to take the stray. Holly continued to amaze the doctors and staff during her recovery sitting up, eating voraciously and using the litter box. She (Holly) is declawed, and the people who found her think that a larger animal must have tried to get her but she somehow got away, Burke said. She is such a loving cat and she has really made a speedy recovery considering all Fortunate felines get a new leash on lifeBy SUSAN ERWINGONDOLIER SUN CORRESPONDENT SUN PHOTO BY SUSAN ERWINTo help the shelter, people can purchase a memorial brick paver and have a message engraved in it as a permanent tribute to their beloved pet. SUN PHOTO BY SUSAN ERWIN Shelter manager Amy Berke plays with Yolo (short for You Only Live Once). Yolo is just one of the playful kittens available for adoption. SUN PHOTO BY SUSAN ERWINGail Carson, left, president of the board of St. Francis Animal Rescue, in Venice, stands by the shelters van with Amy Berke, manager. PHOTO COURTESY OF ST. FRANCIS ANIMAL RESCUE Nemo is a rescued cat that needed emergency surgery to save his life just weeks ago. Supporters of St. Francis came forward and donated to Nemos appeal on Gulf Coast Gives and also donated privately to help pay for the vet bill. Nemo is currently at the shelter waiting to be adopted. PHOTO COURTESY OF ST. FRANCIS ANIMAL RESCUE Holly, a stray found with serious leg injuries, had surgery and is recuperating well. Holly is currently waiting at the shelter for a new loving home.FELINES | 7 Teenager Hal McLeavy (Jory Murphy) can rob a bank with Dennis (Matthew Anderson), an undertaker, connive with Fay (Olivia Williamson), his late mothers nurse about where to hide the money, but he cannot tell a lie. This is but a tiny bit of the convoluted tale spun by the late s British playwright Joe Orton in Loot, the second production of the season by the second-year students in the FSU/Asolo Conservatory of Actor Training. Youve been a widower for three days, Fay asks the grieving widower (Michael Frishman) on the day of the funeral. Have you considered a second wife yet? Mrs. McLeavys body is in the cofn in the parlor of the McLeavys hotel in London. It is the day of the funeral. Mr. McLeavy is obviously distraught about the death of his wife but it seems that Fay, too, has had an even unhappier life. My husbands all died, she said. Ive had seven you see. Despite what has happened to all her former husbands, Dennis is totally smitten with Fay. Fay, on the other hand, is more interested in the grieving widower, or at least in his estate. She seems to have already taken care of the late wifes estate or so she says as she tries to convince Mr. McLeavy to become her eighth husband. Hal and Dennis have their own problem. They need to hide the money they stole from the bank because they fear the police may be on to them. They involve Fay in their dilemma for a share of the loot. With Fays help, the corpse is stripped and wrapped in a sheet and the body stuffed in a cabinet, leaving the cofn as a place to stash the cash. During the exchange of body and cash, it seems one of Mrs. McLeavys glass eyes pops out and rolls somewhere in the room. It is into this convoluted scenario that a man claiming to be from the water department arrives. Later we learn that the man is Truscott (Brian Owen) of The Yard. When he discovers the wrapped body, Hal, Dennis and Fay convince him that what is wrapped in the curtain is the manikin she uses for sewing clothing and will be used to demonstrate at a conference. As Truscott peppers the three with questions, Hal blurts out that he had a hand in the bank job. Remember he cannot tell a lie. What Orton shows us on stage is diabolically outrageous and what seems to occur offstage is even more so as the story escalates and poor Mrs. McLeavy is nearly buried, save for a crash in which the hearse, grieving widower and a Loot is outrageous on steroidsBy KIM COOLFEATURES EDITOR PHOTO COURTESY OF FSU/ASOLO CONSERVATORY FOR ACTOR TRAININGMatthew Andersen, left, Brian Owen and Jory Murphy in FSU/Asolo Conservatorys production of Loot. though Jan. 19 in the Cook Theatre.LOOT | 7 481159 1694 S Tamiami Tr Venice 492-6000 rrf rf ntrbbbbb n 481627 MASERATI OF SARASOTA

PAGE 14

WELL-BEING 2B WEDNESDAY JANUARY 8, 2014 CONTACT US 941-207-1102 ablackwell@venicegondolier.com SUN NEWSPAPERS There are three things Jonathan Fong said he would never do. First, hed never be a doctor. Second, okay then, if he did become a doctor, hed never be a heart surgeon. Third, hed never live in the South. Those are ne words, coming from a cardiac surgeon in Venice, Fla. But Jonathan Fong is no ordinary physician. A highly skilled surgeon, he is one of the reasons why Venice Regional Medical Center has been given a top rating (3 out of 3 stars) by the Society of Thoracic Surgeons for the past three years, one of only three hospitals in Florida to do so. Hes had his share of famous patients. Other physicians have chosen him when they themselves or their family members needed a heart procedure. And he has built up a devoted following of former patients who swear by him as a doctor and a friend. Fong was one of four children born to Chinese parents in Philadelphia, Pa. I was the middle gestation, he says, a turn of phrase that only a physician would use. His parents were both pharmacists, and he had three sisters, including twins. One sister became a pharmacist, another became a nurse, and the black sheep of the family became an English teacher, he deadpans. Sounds like someone destined to enter the medical profession. I wasnt interested in medicine, he says. I was interested in the hard sciences, but I went into medicine because my father wanted me to, and I respected his wishes as his only son. It so happens that Jonathan was the top student in his high school class of 800, and he was given a chance to test for a scholarship award that would pay for an acceler ated ve-year program at Penn State and Thomas Jefferson Medical College, netting him a BS and an MD degree. He took the test, got the award, and went. I felt honor-bound to do that, he says, and 26 years later, hes very happy he did. So are a lot of other people here in Venice. During his residency, he did a rotation at Columbia Medical School, which had the countrys leading heart transplant program, and the whole process so fascinated him that he changed his career plan from general surgery to heart surgery. He had already developed a great pair of surgeons hands. Whatever my mother taught my sisters, she taught me as well, he said. So I learned to sew, cross-stitch, whatever, when I was quite young. I became very nimble with my ngers, and that comes in handy when I do surgical stitching. When he nished his residency at Strong Memorial Hospital in Rochester, N.Y., Dr. Fong joined the Ocala Heart Institute at their Leesburg, Fla., ofces. And when they opened an ofce in Venice afliated with Venice Regional, he came here in 2003. Something beyond his great surgical skill sets Fong apart from many of his colleagues. He is able to cross the barriers that often separate physicians from their patients and staff. A lot of doctors compartmentalize their lives, professional and personal, he says. Thats understandable, because physicians need to shield themselves from the sufferings of their patients, some of whom die on them. The cumulative psychological toll can be devastating. I like talking to my patients, nding out about them, what they did with their lives and careers, he says. Its fascinating. And Ive always appreciated the collective wisdom of the aged. Now theres a man with good judgment. I was raised as a Christian, Fong says, and as a Christian, I was always asking myself how I could do a better job of integrating my beliefs with my work. I felt there was a deeper purpose in life beyond the practice of medicine. I decided that I could dedicate myself to making people feel better. I could correct their anatomic abnormalities so theyd feel better physically, and I could talk with them, or relate to them so theyd feel better psychologically. That he has succeeded in this is attested to by the thick les of letters he receives from his patients. I love to read their letters, he says. And why not? Theyre lled with praise and thanks for what Fong has done for them. Fong does not stop there. Very early every Thursday morning, he leads a devotional session for other members of Venice Regionals staff: nurses, physicians, technicians, whoever wants to attend. He tells them to fulll themselves and to reach out to others, to truly put their beliefs, whatever they are, into their work and their relationships with others. And you can bet he tells them, Never say never.After saying never, Fong leads by example, action HOSPITAL TALESDEAN LAUX, GUEST COLUMNIST PHOTO PROVIDEDJonathan Fong, MD, is a physician who practices what he preaches. The Florida Department of Health in Sarasota County (DOH-Sarasota) urges pregnant women to receive the u vaccination due to the increased impact inuenza infections are having on pregnant women and their babies. The u vaccine is the single best way to prevent u, said DOH-Sarasota Medical Director Dr. William Heymann. We want to make sure people understand how important it is for pregnant women to receive the inuenza vaccination to protect themselves and their babies. DOH-Sarasota recommends that all people six months of age and older receive the u vaccination. It is especially important for pregnant women to be vaccinated due to the increased risk of complications associated with having the u while pregnant. The u vaccination is safe and protects the mother, the unborn child, and helps protect babies shortly after birth. More prevention steps include frequent hand washing, keeping hands away from the face and covering the mouth and nose with a tissue when sneezing and coughing. Flu symptoms include headache, fever, severe cough, runny nose or body aches. If you are experiencing any symptoms, see your primary care provider immediately. For more information on pregnant women and inuenza, visit Cdc.gov/u/protect/ vaccine/pregnant.htm. Flu vaccines are offered in many locations, including doctors ofces, clinics, health departments, retail stores, pharmacies, health centers, and by many employers and schools. Check for locations with your physician, the Florida Department of Health in Sarasota County or visit FloridaHealth.gov/ prevention-safety-andwellness/u-prevention/ locate-a-u-shot.html. For more information about Florida Department of Health in Sarasota County, visit SarasotaHealth.org or call 941-861-2900.Pregnant women urged to receive flu vaccineFROM SARASOTA COUNTY COMMUNICATIONS Venetian Golf & River Club Venetian Golf & River Club 105 Pesaro Dr.off Laurel Road East, North Venice 105 Pesaro Dr.off Laurel Road East, North Venice t o r e g i s t e r e m a i l : 3 r d S w i n g F o r A C u r e @ g m a i l c o m to register email: 3rdSwingForACure@gmail.com o r v i s i t w w w s c l e r o d e r m a o r g / v e n i c e g o l f or visit www.scleroderma.org/venicegolf o r c a l l ( 9 4 1 ) 4 8 6 1 2 3 9 or call (941) 486-1239 SP49159 Swing For A Cure 3rd Annual 3rd Annual Scleroderma Golf Tournament Scleroderma Golf Tournament Monday, February 17 Registration at 11:30 am Shotgun start 1 pm followed by dinner Prizes Giveaways Auction Dinner Separate mens and womens teams. Scramble format. Create your own foursome or ask us to put you together. ACE Premier sponsor: Realtors Fred & Joey Gibson Proceeds go to the Scleroderma Foundation, a non-profit 501(c)3 charity devoted to fighting this life-threatening autoimmune disease. media sponsor: Gondolier SunVENICELOCAL NEWS COVER TO COVER FLORIDAS NO.1 WEEKLY NEWSPAPER $ 115 golf & dinner $ 40 dinner only 479908 rfnftbr fntb nt nbr fnfbbbn 481367 481371 Providing Comprehensive Dental Services and now offering Botox, Juvederm and Pelleve for Skin Refreshing 1218 E Veni ce Ave. Veni ce FL 34285 941.488.1075 www. veni cedenti st com Mark Johnson MD, FACS Board Certified Ophthalmologist State-of-the-art surgery, without added-on charges. The Human Art of Medicine. 811 Ridgewood Ave. Venice 481382 480-0600 My insurance covers cataract surgery, my friends didnt pay extra, why should I have to pay a bunch of extra charges? You Dont 481157 FREE HEARING TEST! Hearing Aids 497-0343 Ask the man who wears hearing aids himself... Frank Christie Christies Hearing Aids 3944 S. Tamiami Tr. in Courthouse Plaza, Venice (Next to S. County Administration Complex) Serving the Hard of Hearing Over 40 Years 28 Years Same Location rrf ntbbbfb DIABETES OR PROSTATE CANCER?rfnftbfrfffr rffrff frr ffrrrfrfr rrfffrrfr fr 800-777-1922 rrr rr 470567 SMILE,-----New Patients Welcome.R-Davis & Beyert:, Dental Health Professionals/I 1Pinebrook CenterGenesis HealthCare` 1i(I I13attcric.Repairs OnAll NIA, ."\\'c Scrcicr\ etcrin.Hearing A id,"

SOUTH TRAIL 4B WEDNESDAY JANUARY 8, 2014 CONTACT US RONALD DUPONT JR. EDITOR 941-207-1218 rdupont@venicegondolier.com SUN NEWSPAPERS When Steve Jordans son Jamie died at 28 of complications from drug usage, he lost his best friend. Jordan had a hard time coping in the past two years since Jamies death. Eventually, he channeled his sadness into something that could help bring awareness and be a tribute to Jamie. Jordan began creating a life-sized, portable sculpture with the names of other local young people who died due to drug-related activities. A parent should never have to bury their child, said Jordan, a 30-year resident of North Port. As I was working on the Tree of Life, I got help from people who were recover ing from drug or alcohol addictions. Together we worked on this project for hours. It was a way for me to begin my healing process, and for them to work on something with great meaning. Jordan named his artwork The Tree of Life If It Saves One Life. It is a combination of etched glass with a tribute to Jamie. It has a small statue of an angel. Above the angel are many branches. Attached to some of them are hearts made of bronze with the names of people who have died some as young as 15 including Marissa Martek, Sean Connor, Calvin Pepe, Kristopher Van Camp, Gerome Battis, Jillion Whimier, Sherri Comstock, Crystal Degregoria, Mary Tayler, Thomas Zellas, Christopher Wilson, Brandy Celine, Catlin Pries Tap, Nathan Easterly, Candice Brown Courtright, Chad Desantis, Justin Davis and Vinny Milano. Also on the tree is 15-year-old Nick Blocks name. He was found dead of an accidental drug overdose alongside his mother, who survived an overdose and is now in federal prison along with her husband, who was implicated in supplying his family with the pills and alcohol in a North Port hotel room in 2010. Most of the people on the tree are from the North Port area, said Candace Townsend, certied addiction counselor at Tri-County Counseling. Addiction is a deeply concerning issue because it impacts family members who have suffered a loss. Steve is offering to add names of others who have died from addiction to his Tree of Life as a way to help more families. Two years ago, Sarasota County shut down pill mills, where doctors were prescribing medication freely with limited state supervision. As a result, there were fewer deaths (in some cases accidental) from prescription medications from 2011 to 2012. However, Jordan said it was too late for his son. I cant get my son back, he said. The one thing I can do is offer the Tree of Life If it Saves One Life to churches, schools, at the library and other local places to display for a month at a time. It will create conver sations between children and their parents. It reminds people of those young people we have lost over the years. There are teenagers names on the tree, as well as those in their 30s. By letting our youth know the reality of the damage drug abuse causes, maybe we can stop it at the root easier than trying to undo a problem that seems to be unstoppable once its started, he said. Longtime resident Nellie Milano recently visited the Tree of Life. She cried as she touched the bronze heart with her son Vinnys name on it. He died in October of 2012, she said. I miss him every day. Its so hard for me. I hope this tree brings healing. Its not easy when you lose a child. For more information about the Tree of Life, call Steve Jordan at 941-380-3848.Email: eallen@sun-herald.comFathers pain leads to sculpture with a storyBy ELAINE ALLEN-EMRICHNORTH PORT COMMUNITY NEWS EDITOR Steve Jordan touches his son Jamies copper heart on the sculpture he created as a tribute to him and to promote awareness about the impact of drugs and alcohol on family and friends of overdose victims not just the substance user. The sculpture is on display in front of Tri-County Counseling, 12543 S. Tamiami Trail, North Port (near the Warm Mineral Springs Motel). SUN PHOTOS BY ELAINE ALLEN-EMRICH, eallen@sun-herald.comThe Tree of Life If It Saves One Life is on display at Tri-County Counseling, and is available to be loaned out to local churches and other groups who want to increase awareness about drug and alcohol addiction. After listening to more than two hours of public comment on both sides of a proposed ordinance that would ban the sale of commercially bred dogs, cats and rabbits in pet stores in Sarasota County, commissioners recently pushed back any action on the ordinance for 60 days to get clarification from legal staff. In early December, more than 200 people packed the commission chambers at the Robert L. Anderson Administration Center in South Venice including a large group of citizens opposed to the ordinance who arrived on a charter bus from Sarasota. Nearly 60 people, from concerned citizens to veterinarians to nearly an entire staff of one of the stores that would be affected by the ordinance, signed up to speak during public comment. Presentations included graphic photos of conditions at puppy mills, where speakers allege that the four retail establishments in the county that sell puppies or kittens buy the animals they sell in stores. These include Petland, on Fruitville Road near Interstate 75 in Sarasota; Top Dog Pets & Grooming, located in the Gulf Gate area; and Puppies R Us, opened recently on South Tamiami Trail, south of the Sarasota city limits. An additional location, Puppy Town, located on Tamiami Trail, is within the city of Sarasota. Petland owner Cathy Harper, who had nearly her entire staff speak, denied getting puppies from a mill. She said her staff regularly visits breeders and felt honored to know where the stores puppies come from after visiting the homes. Petland corporate also visits breeders and providers, and discontinues any business with any breeder who is found with violations, she said. We love animals and we want to send happy, healthy pets to forever homes, Harper said. Our puppies come from USDA licensed and respected breeders and providers with no direct violations. Many of our pups are AKC, which means theyre inspected by the American Kennel Club as part of their program. We use good breeders who take care of their dogs. Puppy Town owner William Rowland said the ordinance takes away the rights of the people to purchase the animals where they choose. Theres no need for an ordinance that closes businesses and doesnt even address the problem, he said. Puppy Town does not support puppy mills or bad breeders. Commissioners were torn about moving forward to advertise a public hearing where the ordinance would be adopted. County Attorney Steve DeMarsh said he had concerns over some of the contracts that businesses may have with providers, meaning the ordinance could come under fire from the states commerce clause that regulates business. We have to address this commerce clause rst, County Commissioner Joe Barbetta said. It seems like were singling out four businesses and we havent gotten any groundswell of complaints on those to my knowledge, so it seems like wed be passing an ordinance that would shut down retail operations when we could nd another way to address this issue. This is obviously a major issue, and the state Legislature should be all over it. The commission voted unanimously to have DeMarsh conduct a legal review of the ordinance. It will return to the board as a discussion item within the next couple of months.Email: slockwood@sun-herald.comSarasota County delays action on pet ordinanceBy SCOTT LOCKWOODSTAFF WRITER The Players Theatre continues the song and dance of a successful 84th season with a new pro duction of the immortal musical Carousel. The show runs on The Players main stage Thursday, Jan. 9 through Jan. 19 with shows every day except Monday and Friday. Carousel includes the well-known songs If I Loved You, June Is Bustin Out All Over and Youll Never Walk Alone. Set in a late 19th century Maine coastal village, the carefree carnival barker Billy Bigelow captivates and marries naive mill worker Julie Jordan. Billy loses his job just as he learns that Julie is pregnant and, desperate to provide a decent life for his family, becomes an accomplice to a robbery. Caught in the act and facing the certainty of prison, he takes his own life and is sent up there. Billy is allowed to return to earth for one day 15 years later and encounters the daughter he never knew. She is a lonely, friendless teenager, her fathers reputation as a thief and bully having haunted her throughout childhood. The manner in which Billy instills a sense of hope and dignity in both the child and her mother is a dramatic testimony to the power of love. Its easy to understand why Carousel was Rodgers & Hammersteins personal favorite. Love, loyalty, forgiveness and faith are the abiding themes given to his child and the audience. Featured players are William Masuck (Billy Bigelow), Kathryn Parks (Julie Jordan), Nikki Maack Shuster (Carrie Pipperidge), Sharon Ohrenstein (Nettie Fowler) and Ian Cicco (Enoch Snow). Carousel also boasts a talented ensemble of local performers, a hallmark of The Players Theatre productions. Berry Ayers directs and choreographs the show; Joyce Valentine conducts the instrumental ensemble. Ayers shares his take on the classic story: So, I delved into the script thinking, Rodgers & Hammerstein = light fun. Instead, what I found was a nuanced, touching and timeless tale of love and choices. I knew that I had to tell this story simply and truthfully and be true to the heart of its creators; including the incredible Agnes De Mille. This is not a show where I ask you to sit back and watch, I hope you end up on the edge of your seat, completely involved, with a possible tear or two in your eyes. Voted Best Musical of the 20th Century by Time magazine, Carousel offers a ride full of ups and downs, with the singing, dancing and drama that can only come from the duo of Rodgers & Hammerstein. Tickets are $30 for premium seating (rows A-E) and $25 for all others. Groups of 10 or more receive special discount pricing. Tickets can be purchased in advance at ThePlayers.org or by calling 941-365-2494. The theater is at 848 North Tamiami Trail, Sarasota.Hop on for a theatrical Carousel rideFROM THE PLAYERS THEATRE The ninth annual Dick Vitale Gala will be held Friday, May 16, at the Ritz-Carlton in Sarasota, hosted by V Foundation for Cancer Research, a leading cancer research funding organization. The Gala is hosted by ESPNs Hall of Fame Sportscaster Dick Vitale, University of Alabama Football Coach Nick Saban, University of Notre Dame Basketball Coach Mike Brey and University of Indiana Basketball Coach Tom Crean. Net proceeds will go to pediatric cancer research and related programs through The V Foundation. I am so touched by all of the sports celebrities who donate their time to assist us in striving to make Jimmy Vs dream a reality, Vitale said. We all must unite to battle this dreaded disease. In Jimmys famous ESPY speech, he mentioned that during every day we should all think and be filled with enough emotion to make us laugh and cry. I am sure we will not let Jimmy down as we once again experience the electricity of the evening and join together at this fantastic event. The Dick Vitale Gala has raised over $10 million since the event began in 2006. The Gala routinely draws many sports and entertainment celebrities to Sarasota, including several NCAA mens basketball coaches. The Dick Vitale Gala is an amazing event, said Susan Braun, CEO of The V Foundation. It is lively and entertaining, and also poignant and meaningful. Helping ght childrens cancer is a passion for Dick and Lorraine Vitale, and it is important and inspired work. We are honored by the generosity that everyone shows The V Foundation. A cocktail hour will be at 6:30 p.m., followed by after-party entertainment by the world famous Four Tops. Tickets for the Gala start at $1,000 with sponsorship opportunities available starting at $12,500. A rafe drawing for The V Edition 2014 Mercedes Benz CLA250C will take place at the Gala. Tickets for the rafe are $100 and are available now. Winners do not need to be present for the drawing. For more information or to purchase tickets, visit DickVitaleGala.org or contact Mary Kenealy at mary@ marykenealyevents.com.About The V FoundationThe V Foundation for Cancer Research was founded in 1993 by ESPN and the late Jim Valvano, legendary North Carolina State basketball coach and ESPN commentator. Since 1993, The Foundation has funded more than $100 million in cancer research grants nationwide. It awards 100 percent of all direct cash donations and net proceeds of events directly to cancer research and related programs. The endowment pays administrative and fundraising expenses. The Foundation distributes grants through a competitive awards process strictly super vised by a Scientic Advisory Board. For more information or to make a donation, visit JimmyV.org.Ninth annual Vitale Gala plannedFROM THE V FOUNDATION tRra j,y 4 __ + 1+ I.s Y. yy11Y pv i y. _4 n r

PAGE 17

WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 8, 2014 SUN NEWSPAPERS 5B Listen to your TV, Radio or Cell Phone through your hearing aids Adjust the volume without touching the aid Have improved speech understanding, especially womens and childrens voices. Hear better in in noisy places like a restaurant, or groups of people.While Youre Here, we Invite You to Demo the NEW Propel Wireless Hearing Instruments! FREE Ear Canal Inspection and Hearing Screening for 5 days Only!Monday Thru Friday January 6th 10thEven this X-Large cotton swab is too small to put in your ear. Your ears are actually self-cleaning! Using a cotton swab to clean your ear pushes wax deeper into the ear canal and can create a blockage. Wax blockage is one of the most common causes of hearing loss, and we have an easy and painless way to check your ears. Well use a miniaturized camera to do a complete inspection of your ear canal and ear drum to see if theres a wax blockage problem. Please call today to make an appointment for your FREE Ear Canal Inspection! Never put anything smaller than your elbow in your ear.Do You Hear, but not Understand? You May Have Hearing Loss.... or Maybe its just WAX....We Can Find Out! Choose from Three Complete Hearing Aid Product LinesTake Advantage of the Trade-In Event!Trade-In Value on ONE Hearing Aid Trade-In Value on TWO Hearing Aids PropelTM w30 $250 $600 PropelTM w40 $400 $1,000 PropelTM w50 $500 $1,200 BEST VALUE!Trade-in offer is subject to participation and quantity limitations. No other offers or discounts apply. Discount does not apply to prior sales. This coupon entitles the bearer to aComplimentaryHearing Screening & Clean and CheckVALID THROUGH:1/10/14 This coupon entitles the bearer to a1 FREE PACK of BATTERIESwith your Hearing Screening & Clean and Check VALID THROUGH:1/10/14 This coupon entitles the bearer to a20% off*on a pair of Propel 50 Hearing InstrumentsVALID THROUGH:1/10/14 Offers Cannot be combined with other discounts, offers or prior purchases. *Off Suggested Retail Price.www.venicehearingcenter.com www.portcharlottehearingcenter.com www.puntagordahearing.comHearing Centers of Charlotte County and Southwest Floridarfntbrtfrrftr trtrbttrnbrnbtr Port Charlotte2866 Tamiami Trail, Unit D(941) 621-3642Punta Gorda2705 Tamiami Trail, Suite 211(941) 621-3557Venice2379 East Venice Ave.(941) 234-4267 50461984 / 2017Imp-

WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 8, 2014 SUN NEWSPAPERS 7B Real Local Newsin The REAL LocalNewspaper. she has been through. Next on the agenda for Holly is to nd a safe and loving home.Saving NemoNemo was diagnosed with a life-threatening condition and had less than 48 hours to live if he didnt receive immediate medical attention. When St. Francis agreed to take him in, he was immediately rushed to a clinic for emergency surgery. Less than 48 hours after arriving at the clinic, Nemo was recovering successfully from surgery. Nemo is now healthy and ready to nd his forever family. Supporters of St. Francis came forward and donated to Nemos appeal on Gulf Coast Gives and also donated privately to help pay for the vet bill, which was over $2,000, Burke said. Together we saved this affectionate, young cat who can now go on to live a long and healthy life.Helping kittensGail Carson is president of the board of directors at SFAR. She is busy organizing the 2014 annual gala fundraiser that is planned to take place March 23 at Plantation Golf & Country Club in Venice. Its a lot of work but I have some very good help and I have it down to a science, Carson said. The event will include a live auction, dinner and dancing. St. Francis Animal Rescue opened in 1992. The shelter currently has 15 kittens and 48 adult cats waiting for new homes. Eighty-eight non-adoptable cats live at the shelter permanently due to behavior and health issues. About 100 volunteers serve at the shelter on a daily-basis. There is one onsite veterinary technician who oversees the general health of all the cats. SFAS is currently running an adoption special. The adoption cost for all cats and kittens is $50. And the organization is looking for help. We are always looking for more volunteers, Berke said. We need adoption counselors because the more counselors we have, the more cats we can adopt out. For more information, call 941-485-2347 or visit StFrancisArFl.org.FELINESFROM PAGE 1 car all suffer great harm while the coffin seems unscathed save for a lot of smoke from within. If it seems there could be no more twists to this tangled tale, there are plus a few sight gags as well. The scenario above is but act one seriously simplied. Outrageously humor ous and even silly, the story also is somewhat prophetic as to what has happened since the early 1960s when this was created and a certain innocence vanished from the world. Loot runs through Jan. 19 in the Cook Theatre at the FSU Center for the Performing Arts, 5555 North Tamiami Trail, Sarasota. Tickets are $29 evenings and $28 for matinees, with a 50 percent discount for students. Purchase in advance at the Asolo Rep box ofce at the center or call 941-351-8000.Email: kcool@venicegondolier.comLOOTFROM PAGE 1 The Sertoma Club of Venice recently an nounced Students and Teacher of the Month of December. Student Jordan Dianne Cunningham enjoys going to the beach, reading and, in her free time, she embroiders for friends and family. Jordan recently interned at the District 12 medical examiners ofce and has been asked to come back as a college intern. Her new medical endeavor is interning in the emergency room at Venice Regional Medical Center. Jordan is a member of Spanish Honor Society, The National Honor Society and she serves as treasurer of the Interact Club. Jordan maintains a 4.1 grade point average (GPA) and plans to attend a university and major in its medical program and minor in forensics and literature. She aspires to become a doctor and write a book based on her experiences. Jordans mom is Deanna Cunningham. Student Chase Leonhard enjoys singing, playing his guitar, basketball and golf. He loves music and is a member of Venice High Schools chamber chorus Le Voci de Venezia, which performs around the community. Chase is a member of Venice High School National Honor Society, vice president of the Spanish Honor Society and was a member of the Key Club. Chase maintains a 3.7 unweighted GPA and a 4.5 weighted GPA. He plans to attend the University of Florida or University of Central Florida and major in business or nance. Chases parents are David and Denise Leonhard. Seth Jones has been a teacher for 15 years. Six of those years were in New York where he taught middle school math and science in addition to high school special education. Since moving to Florida, Jones has instructed special education students at Venice High School in a variety of subject areas, but most recently in algebra and geometry. Jones also coached the junior varsity and varsity boys soccer for seven years and has been chair of the special education department for the past eight years. Jones has his masters degree in special education and is currently working on a doctorate in education leadership.Students and Teacher of the Month namedFROM SERTOMA CLUB OF VENICE The engagement of Vita Marie Shetler, of Venice, to Joshua Blake Havens has been announced. The bride-elect is the daughter of Daria Shetler of Fort Myers and Mr. and Mrs. Michael J. Shetler, of Venice. Vita is employed at Veterinary Associates of Jacaranda. The bridegroom-tobe is the son of Elayne Havens and Frank Chaknine, of Louisville, Ky. He is employed with JELD-WEN.Shetler-HavensENGAGEMENT COURTESY PHOTO | COMMUNITY NEWS BRIEFOpen houses for acting classesOpen houses are Friday, Jan.10, 4:30-6 p.m., and Saturday, Jan. 11, 10 a.m.-noon, to share information about the Education and Outreach opportunities at Venice Theatre, 140 W. Tampa Ave., Venice. Registration is open for Winter/Spring classes for children and adults. Classes start Jan. 10 and run from four to 11 weeks. Interested students and parents should visit VeniceStage. com, call Venice Theatres Education and Outreach Department at 941-4868679, or send an email to candaceartim@ venicestage.com. A limited number of scholarships are available for qualied applicants. Annual Percentage Yield (APY) is available only to clients with a new or existing C1 Bank Checking Account. APY is current as of 12/15/2013 and applies only to the initial term of the CD. We may change the interest rate and the APY at any time without notice. Minimum balance to open CD is $5,000.00. Minimum balance requirement for CD is $5,000.00 to earn APY. Minimum balance to open a checking account is $100.00. Minimum balance requirements for checking account vary depending on type of checking account opened. Signicant penalties apply for early withdrawals to CD. Penalties apply for early closing of checking account (less than 6 months). Fees could reduce earnings on the accounts. All accounts subject to approval. Offer expires 1/31/14 and may be withdrawn at any time. Member FDIC Clients 1st. Community 1st. Secure your savings, both short-term and long-term with our limited time CD Special today.15-months 1.05% APY*rf26 locations across Tampa Bay and Southwest Florida 50463373 481716 Palmer Ranch Travel F e a t u r i n g F e a t u r i n g C r y s t a l C r u i s e s C r y s t a l C r u i s e s H o l l a n d A m e r i c a L i n e H o l l a n d A m e r i c a L i n e P r i n c e s s C r u i s e s P r i n c e s s C r u i s e s O c e a n i a C r u i s e s O c e a n i a C r u i s e s C u n a r d L i n e C u n a r d L i n e A v a l o n W a t e r w a y s A v a l o n W a t e r w a y s C e l e b r i t y C r u i s e s C e l e b r i t y C r u i s e s R o y a l C a r i b b e a n I n t e r n a t i o n a l R o y a l C a r i b b e a n I n t e r n a t i o n a l C a r n i v a l C r u i s e L i n e s C a r n i v a l C r u i s e L i n e s G l o b u s & C o s m o s G l o b u s & C o s m o s V i k i n g R i v e r C r u i s e V i k i n g R i v e r C r u i s e S i l v e r s e a C r u i s e s S i l v e r s e a C r u i s e s G o w a y T r a v e l G o w a y T r a v e l M S C C r u i s e s M S C C r u i s e s D i s n e y V a c a t i o n s D i s n e y V a c a t i o n s A f r i c a n T r a v e l A f r i c a n T r a v e l presents its 12th Annual Cruise & Expo Tour Wednesday, Jan 9th, 2014 10 am to 2 pm at Our Office Cruise on Down Wed. Jan. 9th 941-924-0144 800-559-9867 8435 S. Tamiami Trail Sarasota Target & Publix Shopping Center www.PalmerRanchTravel.com rf ntbtttf ttbb f nbtb rf tb f btf ttttf ftbtf tttt rfntbnb rfnftbn t rfn tbrt North Ports Waterfront Restaurant MYAKKA RIVER OYSTER BAR and S eafood R estaurant Monday All You Can Eat Fried Fish $11.99 Tuesday Jumbo Beer Batter Shrimp $11.99 Wednesday Crab Cake Dinner $12.99 Thursday Frog Legs Fried $10.99 Caribbean Chicken & Coconut Shrimp $10.99 Friday Lobster Stuff Fish $11.99 Saturday Ribs & Shrimp Dinner $12.99 Sunday All You Can Eat Mussel Pasta $14.99 Fried Walleye $14.99 Margaritas Wed. & Sat. $ 1 99 w/Meal Purchase Friday till 3:00 Burger and Beer $5.00 Open Monday-Thursday 4-9pm Friday & Saturday 11:30am-9pm Sunday 11:30am-8pm Live Blue Grass Sunday 2-4pm Ron Harrison Friday 6:30 8:30 pm Saturday Caribbean Music 121 Plamore Drive Venice, FLrfntrfbf 478333 941-473-1403 850 N. Indiana (Hwy. 776) Englewood, FL FORESTRY RESOURCES Inc. COMMITTED TO A BETTER ENVIRONMENT JANUARY SPECIALS OPEN M-F 7:30 AM 5PM SAT. 7:30AM 2PM QUICK-PRO BLOWOUT 6.8# . $ 77. 00 CORONA PRUNERS . . . . . . $ 18. 00 PRUNER SHEATH . . . . . . . . . $ 8. 00 13-2-13 PALM SPECIAL . . $ 23. 00 KICK OFF THE NEW YEARPasco County CCZmmntw+n lasC. ty l,. 1 ik ; trough CountyBolMaiei ,Itl"'ljC,r, r.c'wr TMd Oo ntvei I;Cinvwwww .rcet I:: : 0.r.'t:i CApdbBb,cnManatee CountyWcSIO,JJ1+I CCNVCwJOJRnnCnBruilon Rrvo CCharlotte Countytn.,nMtCC CCv.a,,.mi(fCSOUtn Rwnta GOraLee CountyIlwru.r4Gulf of Mexico C CCm`1 CRed G.darann rnrnCC eonkn SP Y ps CiBank,j%CjAL 8,Vi OO OilGJJJ (11llJJJ?J JJ l J IL%Li 1 '01 1 aj'J'J "J:1 rJ:J rJ1J!'J rJ'JS' 1JJ 1J`JJ[J~tVv vVVVA.JON VV V VVA4tt4ttt444tt444l41

PAGE 20

The greatest benet of being the social columnist for the Venice Gondolier Sun is meeting people. I recently sat with Adele Stoffers at her 100th birthday party at Village on the Isle for about an hour. I enjoyed a second piece of birthday cake with its luscious whipped cream frosting. As retired teachers, we reminisced about former students. When I decided to leave, I thanked Adele for inviting me to her party and started to walk away. As I did, I heard Adele say, Who was that lady? She was very nice but who was she? We all had a good laugh. I came right back and introduced myself. Obviously, Adele didnt want any party crashers at her 100th.Lovely to look atIf you like touring homes, mark Feb. 14 on your calendar for the AAUW annual home tour. All proceeds provide scholarships, usually around 12, for returning college students to finish their degrees. Tickets are $20, available at Venice Stationers and Deborahs Quilt Basket on Venice Avenue, Cardware on Jacaranda and Center and Ophelias in Nokomis. Call Kathy for info at 941-488-5897 and visit aauw.net.Shout outThe Venice Yacht Clubs Love and Cookies committee packages about 300 boxes of cookies for Hospice Families in this community. This annual event brings holiday cheer to families whose loved ones are in Hospice care. Venice Yacht Club committee members were Marlene Haviland, Barbara Johnson, Addie Griffith, Paula Graser, Claire Mercereau, Peg Little, Sandy ODonnell and Sara Terranova. Bravo, Ladies!One of our bestThe special person of this week is David Yarzab. This nice man was the general manager of the Venice Yacht Club and had the rare gift of making everyone who came to the Club feel like a guest. Thanks to Davids warm smile and friendly greeting, everyone felt welcome. In spite of how busy he was managing club business, David always had time to make sure this columnist had all the information she needed in covering an event. He was always a gracious host asking if I wanted a drink. Since I had my amputation, he was often at my side holding my plate at the buffet even when I assured him I was fine. I know, hed say. Like everyone else who knew David, my heart is broken at his passing. This community and this columnist have lost a gentle friend. Rest in peace, David. Fran Valencic is the Venice Gondolier Suns social columnist and welcomes your ideas and tips. Email her at FranValencic@comcast.net.I get to meet so many great peopleFRAN VALENCIC PHOTOS BY FRAN VALENCICVenice Middle School student Mackenzie Reiss shows o her terric drawing of Marilyn Monroe at the Venice Art Center. Mackenzie was one of the youngest artists featured in the show. Her work is on display until Jan. 10. Below: Venice Concert Band Director Bill Millner signs an autograph for a fan. The next concert is on Jan. 27 at the Venice Community Center. The $5 tickets are available at the Community Center the afternoon of the concert. Visit VeniceConcertGand.org Daiyela Siderski and Deb Tidewell enjoy some turtle talk at the Venice Art Center. Deb is a program director at Mote Marine. Marge Saeger picks a turtle o the turtle board at the Venice Art Center. Each $20 turtle purchase benets Mote Marine. The one-of-a-kind turtles are available until Jan. 10. Carol Brown and Ann Blasko were the rst in line to purchase their turtles at the Venice Art Center. Above: Adele Stoers celebrated her 100th birthday with friends and family at Village on the Isle where shes lived since 1999. At her party were grand daughter Valerie Lance, daughter Harriet Stol and Art Lance. Adele, a retired teacher, has four grandchildren, six great-grandchildren and four greatgreatgrandchildren. Right: Lucky Paula Choyhe takes home the $50 money tree from the AAUW Holiday Luncheon. The tree was one of the silent auction items. Kathy Black, AAUW president, and Mary Green berg, program chair, thank the committee and guests for a terric Holiday Luncheon. Ruth Showaker serves as the ocial greeter at the AAUW Holiday Luncheon. Left: Kittel Rodriguez checks out the gift baskets at the American Association of University Venice Chapter Womens Holiday Luncheon at the Venice Yacht Club. Left: Benny and Marcia make sure table arrangements are in order at the Love land Centers Christmas Barbecue at the Venice Community Center. The long list of sponsors, committee members and participants made the event a rousing success. Right: Alex Hall (left) and Frank Peacock barbecue 100 chickens for the Loveland Centers annual Christmas Barbecue at the Venice Community Center. The event included dinner, a silent auction and entertainment provided by the Loveland students. AROUND TOWN 8B WEDNESDAY JANUARY 8, 2014 CONTACT US FRAN VALENCIC SOCIAL COLUMNIST franvalencic@comcast.net SUN NEWSPAPERS rfntrbnfrffnrffntbbf bt 479349 Q Assisted Living At Its Finest.u,muc; nouThe Inn Atthe smart choice in senior living!

January 8 14, 2014 E/N/C/V Lets Go! 3 Lets Go! Pets is sneaking up on me and I have yet to begin putting content together for it. Whoopsy! What can I say? Lets Go! has kept me extremely busy. But as I begin to work on the pet section this week, I wanted to remind all of our readers that they are welcome to submit photos of their cute dogs, cats, birds, turtles, horses OK, you get the point for Lets Go! Pets. As with Lets Go!, my goal is to continue to grow the Lets Go! Pets section and add new features to it to keep it interesting and fun for all the pet lovers out there. As of right now, some things that I would like to do with the pet section are feature a veterinarian of the month, start a Q&A column where readers can send in questions about their pets and have a local veterinarian answer them, and start a pets stories section where readers can share their own stories about their pets, whether they helped save a life or how they tore up the house in five minutes. Some of these ideas came from the recent lunch meeting I had with fellow Lets Go! writers and photographers, and Im always looking for more. So if you have any ideas, please share. If you are a veterinarian who would like to be featured in our next Lets Go! Pets edition, or you know of a vet you would like to recommend, let me know. Im also looking for any vets who are interested in taking part in the Q&A Pets column but for that I need readers to send in questions. These can be about your pets behavior, health, or general questions about pets. So ask away! Ill make sure to follow up with a local vet and print the Q&A for all of us to gain a little more knowledge about our pets. Last but not least, if you have a funny or a heartmelting story about your pet that you would like to share in Lets Go! Pets, send it to me via email along with a photo of your pet. The deadline for all pet-related items is Jan. 29 for the Feb. 5 edition. I look forward to reading all about your furry friends. Til next time! G ABRIELA R AMIREZ Lets Go! Editor After walking all over the seven hills of Bamberg, it was good to get back on the train for a leisurely ride to Weimar where I was staying at the Hotel Kaiserin Augusta, right across the street from the station. As it was dark by the time I arrived (8:37 p.m.) I was happy to be able to simply stroll across the street and check in. After checking out y room, I headed downstairs for a late dinner in the hotels dining room. It was nearly full as most Europeans eat dinner at that time. Anja Dietrich came to the hotel in the morn ing as my guide for the day. We climbed into her very large Volkswagon sedan for a quick city tour and then a stop at the Bauhaus Museum, which was founded by famed German architect Walter Gropius. We had a building designed by Gropius at the edge of Shaker Heights, Ohio where I lived until moving to Venice. As a youngster, my daughter played with blocks that were based on Gropius curtain-wall design which he designed for skyscrapers. The building in Shaker employed that design. Modern furniture by Bauhaus designers also is displayed at the museum. Outside nearby, I managed a photo of statues of Goethe and Schiller in front of the Goethe and Schiller archive, which contains 130 estates featuring the works of Goethe, Schiller, Wieland, Liszt, Nietzsche and others. Goethes literary estate was included in UNESCOs Memory of the World in 2001. Classical Weimar is a World Heritage site on its own. There are 936 sites in 153 countries and the list keeps growing as sites qualify. One of the most intriguing sites in the city is the Duchess Anna Amalia Library which sustained much damage from a re in 2004. The library reopened in 2007 but thousands of books are still being restored at another site. Dietrich arranged for me to enter the build ings stunning Rococo Hall, which allows visitors by reservation only, with most slots lled far in Lets Go! on Facebook:www.facebook.com/ SunCoastLetsGoPresidentDavid Dunn-RankinPublisherCarol Moore 941-681-3031 cymoore@sun-herald.comEditorGabriela Ramirez 941-681-3006 gramirez@sun-herald.com Lets Go! letsgo@sun-herald.com 120 W. Dearborn St. Englewood, FL 34223 www.sunnewspapers.net Please submit information at least two weeks before the event. To send items for the calendar, please include the time, location, cost of tickets and where to get them, and a telephone number to call for more information.Your weekly guide to entertainment, travel and arts in Southwest Florida. Lets Go! Pets in the works K IM C OOL Features Editor features to it to keep it interesting and fun for all the pet lovers out E-MAIL YOUR PET CONTENT TO LETSGO@SUN-HERALD.COM O to WeimarKIM | 5 50463622 RESTAURANTS BOUTIQUES RESORT MARINA Presents NEW YEAR, NEW YOU, THANK YOU! Saturday, January 18 th 10 AM PM Complimentary treats from Simply Sweet for the first 200 attendees! Educational seminars for better health Zumba, Yoga, and Tai Chi Demonstrations Learn how to invest wisely Plan a cruise getaway for 2014 Plant Health Clinic Big Red Bus, 10 AM PM AND MUCH MORE! Located Off Marion Avenue, Punta Gorda, FL 941.639.8721 www.fishville.com This Event will Focus on YOU We are saying Thank You for voting us #1 SHOPPING DESTINATION, Charlotte Sun Readers Choice Awards! 475661 Englewood Elks 401 N. Indiana Ave o%Ck QovIVY-'AV I3at'urdaygoo.asop 5anuary 25th&W s 20.00, Optional 9 ,er $10.00Doors Open: 5:00 pm'Dinner served promptly at 5:30 pm&ww 9'ime: 7:30 pm'For Tickets CCaU 474-14044V0 ,C 01Charlotte SunRenders' Choke92013

January 8 14, 2014 E/N/C/V Lets Go! 5 MOVIESadvance and only a few time periods available for wal k-ins. Felt boots that highly resemble those UGGs from Australia are provided for visitors to wear while in the Rococo area. There also is a free area where one can view illuminated manuscript pages but there is somethig serene about the Rococo library with its blue and white color scheme, carved moldings and gold trim. A study center with room for one million volumes is accessible by those with a library or user card. From the library we strolled through the adjacent city garden and past the Goethe Garden house in the Park on the Ilm River.KIMFROM PAGE 3 DUAL-SAX RON AND THE HORNETS, (jazz), 5:30 p.m.-8:30 p.m. Allegro Bistro, 1740 E. Venice Ave., Venice. 941-484-1889. VENETIAN HARMONY CHORUS, 6:30 p.m. Join the Venetian Harmony Chorus on Monday nights for practice and fun at United Church of Christ, 620 E. Shamrock Blvd., Venice. 941-480-1480. FREE YOGA AT VENICE BEACH PAVILION, 8 a.m., 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. Certied yoga instructor. Venice. KATHERINE MCPHEE, (live music), 8 p.m. American Idol runner-up will be at Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall, 777 N. Tamiami Trail, Sarasota. 800-826-9303. ROYAL AIRES BIG BAND, (live music), 10 a.m. noon for your dancing and listening pleasure. Open to the public. Englewood VFW, 550 N McCall Rd., Englewood, 941-474-7516. FREE BLUEGRASS MUSIC, 6 p.m. 8 p.m. Weather permitting, bring lawn chairs, ashlights and coolers. Bay Heights Park, 1000 S. Indiana Ave., Englewood. ESCAPE, (live music), 6:30 p.m.9:30 p.m. Soaring Eagle drawing at 7 p.m. Englewood Eagles 3885, 250 Old Englewood Rd., Englewood. 941-474-9802. KARAOKE WITH BILL AND SHIRLEY, 6 p.m. 9 p.m. The Cove Bistro, 8300 Wiltshire, Suite 6, o Gasparilla Rd., across from the Pig N Whistle, Englewood. KARAOKE WITH WAM, 6 p.m. 9 p.m. in the courtyard at Englewoods on Dearborn, 362 W. Dearborn St., Englewood. 941-475-7501. GUIDED WALK WITH MARGARET DUNSON AND NANCY CLAYTON, 8 a.m. Free guided walk through scrub and pine atwoods of 217 acre Amberjack Environmental Park in Cape Haze. Meet in parking lot at the end of Gasparilla Pines Blvd. 941-475-0769. WONDERAMA, (live music), 7 p.m. No cover. Zig Zag Lounge at Seminole Casino Immokalee, 506 S. 1st St., Immokalee. 239-658-1313. A NEIL DIAMOND TRIBUTE SHOW, (live music), starring Keith Allyn. Doors open for dinner and cocktails at 5 p.m., show starts at 7:30 p.m. Tickets are $42, includes full dinner, dessert, beverage and show. Visani Restaurant, 2400 Kings Highway, Port Charlotte. 941-6299191 or www.visani.net. THE WHITE CLIFFS, (live music), 2 p.m. Presented by the Charlotte County Concert Band at the Cultural Center of Charlotte County, 2280 Aaron St., Port Charlotte. 941-625-4175. OPEN MIC NIGHT, 6 p.m. Lake View Restaurant, 5605 S. McCall Road, Port Charlotte. 941-697-9200. OPEN MIC NIGHT, 8 p.m. 11 p.m. Nemos Sports Cafe at Bowland, 3192 Harbor Blvd., Port Charlotte. FREE TEXAS HOLD EM POKER, 7 p.m. Porkys Roadhouse, 4300 Kings Highway, Port Charlotte. 941-629-2114. BINGO, 11 a.m. All proceeds benet the Charlotte County Homeless Coalition. Port Charlotte Elks Lodge 2153, 20225 Kenilworth Blvd., Port Charlotte. 941-627-4313 ext. 115. FREE TEXAS HOLD EM BY POCKET ROCKETS POKER LEAGUE, 6 p.m. close. Deans North of the Border, 23063 Harborview Blvd., Port Charlotte. 941-743-6100. HEART FAILURE ADVANCED THERAPY LECTURE, 1 p.m., Free educational lecture by Wing Yeen, M.D. Bayfront Health Port Charlotte, 2500 Harbor Blvd., Port Charlotte. Register prior to lecture at 941-637-2570. MINIMALLY INVASIVE ANEURYSM REPAIRS LECTURE, 2:15 p.m., Free educational lecture by Thomas Kartis, Jr., M.D. Bayfront Health Port Charlotte, 2500 Harbor Blvd., Port Charlotte. Register prior to lecture at 941-637-2570. KAPO KINGS, (live music), 8:30 p.m. 12:30 p.m. Deans South of the Border, 130 Tamiami Trail, Punta Gorda. 941-575-6100. BOEING BOEING, 8 p.m. Tuesdays Saturdays, 2 p.m. Sundays. Comedy opens and runs through Feb. 2. Tickets are $25-28 for adults and $10-15 for students. Venice Theatre, 140 W. Tampa Ave., Venice. 941-488-1115 or www.venicestage.com.OUT AND ABOUTFROM PAGE 4 TUESDAY OPENING THIS WEEKThe Legend of HerculesPG-13 | Intense Combat Action, Violence and Some Sensuality. In the epic origin story The Legend of Hercules, Kellan Lutz stars as the mythical Greek hero the son of Zeus, a half-god, half-man blessed with extraordinary strength. Betrayed by his stepfather, the King, and exiled and sold into slavery because of a forbidden love, Hercules must use his formidable powers to fight his way back to his rightful kingdom. Through harrowing battles and gladiator-arena death matches, Hercules embarks on a legendary odyssey to overthrow the King and restore peace to the land.MOVIES NOW PLAYINGParanormal Activity: The Marked Ones Runtime: 1 hr. 24 min. | R | Pervasive Language, Graphic Nudity, Some Drug Use and Some Violence. The Paranormal Activity series grows with this fifth entry from Paramount Pictures. After being marked, Jesse (Andrew Jacobs) begins to be pursued by mysterious forces while his family and friends try to save him.47 Ronin PG-13 | Intense sequences of violence, some disturbing images, intense sequences of action and thematic elements. Keanu Reeves makes an explosive return to action-adventure in 47 Ronin. After a treacherous warlord kills their master and banishes their kind, 47 leaderless samurai vow to seek vengeance and restore honor to their people. Driven from their homes and dispersed across the land, this band of Ronin must seek the help of Kai (Reeves) a half-breed they once rejected as they fight their way across a savage world of mythic beasts, shape-shifting witchcraft and wondrous terrors. Grudge Match PG-13 | sports action violence, sexual content and language. Pittsburgh boxers Billy The Kid McDonnen (Robert De Niro) and Henry Razor Sharp (Sylvester Stallone) shared a fierce rivalry back in the 1980s. Each had scored a victory in two matches, but on the eve of their decisive third bout, Henry suddenly announced his retirement, effectively ending both boxers careers. Thirty years later, boxing promoter Dante Slate Jr. (Kevin Hart) makes Billy and Henry an offer they cant refuse: Return to the ring and settle the score once and for all.Justin Biebers Believe Runtime: 1 hr. 31 min. | PG | Brief language and mild thematic material. Behind the headlines, beyond the spotlight theres more to his story. Directed by Jon M. Chu (Never Say Never, G.I. Joe: Retaliation) Justin Biebers Believe captures 19-year-old Justin Bieber unfiltered and brutally honest. In brand new interviews with Bieber, the movie reveals long-awaited answers to questions about his passion to make music, relationships and coming of age in the spotlight as well as neverbefore-seen concert footage, unprecedented behindthe-scenes access and special appearances.The Secret Life of Walter Mitty Runtime: 1 hr. 54 min. | PG | Some crude comments, language and action violence. Walter Mitty (Ben Stiller), an employee at Life magazine, spends day after monotonous day developing photos for the publication. To escape the tedium, Walter inhabits a world of exciting daydreams in which he is the undeniable hero. Walter fancies a fellow employee named Cheryl (Kristen Wiig) and would love to date her, but he feels unworthy. However, he gets a chance to have a real adventure when Lifes new owners send him on a mission to obtain the perfect photo for the final print issue.Anchorman 2: The Legend Continues Runtime: 1 hr. 59 min. | Rated PG-13 | crude and sexual content, drug use, language and comic violence. With the s behind him, San Diegos top-rated newsman, Ron Burgundy (Will Ferrell), returns to the news desk in Anchorman 2: The Legend Continues. Also back for more are Rons co-anchor and wife, Veronica Corningstone (Christina Applegate), weather man Brick Tamland (Steve Carell), man on the street Brian Fantana (Paul Rudd) and sports guy Champ Kind (David Koechner) all of whom wont make it easy to stay classy while taking the nations first 24-hour news channel by storm.Walking with Dinosaurs Runtime: not stated. | Rated PG for creature action and peril and mild rude humor. This family adventure story centers on an underdog dinosaur as it triumphs to become a hero for the ages.The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug Runtime: 2 hr. 40 min. | Rated PG-13 frightening images and fantasy action violence. Having survived the first part of their unsettling journey, Bilbo Baggins (Martin Freeman) and his compan ions (Ian McKellen, Richard Armitage) continue east. More dangers await them, including the skin-changer Beorn and the giant spiders of Milkwood. After escaping capture by the dangerous Wood Elves, Bilbo and the dwarves journey to Lake-town and, finally, to the Lonely Mountain, where they face the greatest danger of all: the fearsome dragon Smaug (Benedict Cumberbatch). Tyler Perrys A Madea Christmas Runtime 1 hr. 45 min. | Rated PG-13 for crude humor, sexual references and language. Madea gets coaxed into helping a friend pay her daughter a surprise visit in the country for Christmas, but the biggest surprise is what theyll find when they arrive. MOVIES | 8 Runtime: 1 hr. 54 min. | PG | Some crude comments, language and Walter Mitty (Ben Stiller), an employee at Life magazine, spends day after monotonous day world of exciting daydreams in which he is the undeniable hero. Walter fancies a fellow employee named Cheryl (Kristen Wiig) and would love to date her, but he feels unworthy. However, he gets a chance to have a real adventure when Lifes With the s behind him, San Diegos top-rated newsman, Ron Burgundy (Will Ferrell), returns to the news desk in d Continues. Also man on the street Brian Fantana (Paul Rudd) and sports guy Champ Kind (David Koechner) all of whom wont make it easy to stay classy while taking the nations first 24-hour news Walking with Dinosaurs : not stated. | Rated PG for creature action and peril and mild rude humor. centers on an underdog dinosaur as it triumphs to become a hero for 50462981 rf ntbb bbbbt b trrfrfntb 50462997 Premier Doggy Uyand Overnight CampoCAMP All Oay Play All-Ine-lusive PricingFree Web Corns Certi-vied O.-ampCounselors0941-875-941017266 TOLEDO BLADE BLVD.PORT CHARLOTTE, FL 33954WWW.CAMPBOWWOW.COM/PORTCHARLOTTEFACEBOOK.COM/CAMPBOWWOW PORTCHARLOTTEA AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA A" A AAAAA AA AA AA AA AA AA AA AA AA AA AA AA AA AA AA AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA

PAGE 26

6 Lets Go! E/N/C/V January 8 14, 2014 EVENTS THIS WEEK ON THE COVER sAn American Craft Endeavors festival, which is part of Howard Alan Events, is a dierent kind of experience for the attendees. At this weekends 17th Annual Sullivan Street Craft Festival in Punta Gorda, more than 100 crafters from all over the country will be lining the street to present their creations. The show contains many Floridabased artists, and is always a highly attended event. Megan McMahan, who works in operations for Howard Alan Events, explained that the reason for the public's continued interest is because their craft shows oer a little something extra. "For our art shows, the crafters have to hand-make everything themselves," she said. "And they have to appear at the show. At every booth, the crafter will be there presenting their original work." What that practice does is make the consumer's purchasing process so much more personal. You want to learn about a crafter's techniques or ask him or her questions about their inspiration when creating a particular piece? The artist who actually crafted the item will be right there to talk to you, and even to demonstrate how they work A wide selection of crafts will be presented at the Sullivan Street Craft Festival, so if handmade crafts are where your interest lies, you will not be disappointed. You can expect to nd works of art and crafts ranging from $15 handmade silver jewelry, to life-sized sculptures with prices in excess of $50,000. Each artist and crafter is selected by Howard Alan Events through the most discerning jury process, which McMahan says ensures only the nest exhibits. "We have brought in a lot of national artists, but there are also many Florida-based artists," she said. "This has been a very popular craft festival for us over the years." Since its inception, the Sullivan Street Craft Festival has continued to grow and highlight the talents of many unique crafters, providing the Punta Gorda area with one of its most enjoyable traditions. From jewelry, handbags and stained glass to organic pet treats, furniture and photography, the festival will truly have something to appeal to everyone. And as a bonus, attendees get to wander the streets of charming downtown Punta Gorda while looking for their hand-crafted treasures. The festival is from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday, Jan. 11-12 on Sullivan Street in down town Punta Gorda. Admission is free. Well-behaved, leashed dogs are welcome to attend, and the event goes on, rain or shine.in one word at festival Handmade describesBy DEBBIE FLESSNERSUN CORRESPONDENT will truly have something to appeal to PHOTO PROVIDEDThere will be around 100 crafters displaying their wares from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday, Jan. 11-12, at the Sullivan Street Craft Festival in Punta Gorda. IF YOU GOWHAT: The Sullivan Street Craft Festival WHEN: From 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Saturday, Jan. 11 and Sunday, Jan. 12 WHERE: Sullivan Street, in downtown Punta Gorda. INFO: Admission is free. Well-behaved, leashed dogs are welcome to attend, and the event goes on, rain or shine. s s s s s s T T T T T T T f C f f C C C C a C C C C C C a C a C a C a R ENGLEWOODIrish Concert benefit plannedDiego Caravan #255 of the Order of Alhambra is presenting their annual Irish Concert at 3 p.m. on Friday, Jan. 31, at the Englewood United Methodist Church. It will feature Andy Cooney and his band, comedian Noel V. Ginnity, Irish Step dancers, and their Special Friends chorus. Funds derived from this event help the organization continue their work with the developmentally disabled in the community. Tickets for the event are $20 and can be purchased by calling 941473-2458 or 941-474-8843. They are also available at the Englewood United Methodist Church oce during normal business hours. The church is at 700 E. Dearborn St., Englewood.Trains for all at Englewood ElksVendors will be on hand with various scales of trains, tracks, accessories and more for sale, as well as a model train layout for kids of all ages to enjoy at the Model Train Show and Sale presented by Regal Railways. The event will take place from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday, Jan. 18, at the Elks Lodge, 401 N. Indiana Ave., Englewood. Admission is $5 for adults. Children 12 and under are free. Early bird admission is from 9 a.m. to 10 a.m. For more information, call Joe at 727-244-1341 or visit www. regalrailways.com.Arts & Crafts FairGulf Cove United Methodist Church will hold its 12th annual Arts & Crafts Fair from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Jan. 17 and 18. Art, photography, woodworking, jewelry, quilting, ceramics, clothing, handbags and more will be for sale. Beverages, snacks and lunch will be available. Vendors will be inside, on the porch and outside the church. GCUMC is located at 1100 McCall Road (State Road 776), just south of the Myakka River in Port Charlotte. For more information about the Arts & Crafts Fair, call Barbara or Art at 941-697-1414 or visit gulfcovechurch.com.PORT CHARLOTTEEagles Annual Chili Cook-offThe Eagles Annual Chili Cook-o will be from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Jan. 18 at the Eagles Lodge, 23111 Harborview Drive in Charlotte Harbor. The contest is open to everyone. There is no entry fee and there are prizes for Best Chili Overall, rst runner-up, second runner-up and for the best decorated table. Set-up starts at 10 a.m. Judging is from 11 a.m. to noon. Chili will start selling at noon. Price for a bowl of chili is $1. There will be raes, basket of cheer and a bake sale. All proceeds are donated to charity. For more info, call Kathy Grant at 941-423-8453. | UPCOMING EVENTS 478348 29201 S. Jones Loop Rd. Punta Gorda, FL LETS GO LOCAL GOLF COURSES B l u e H e r o n P i n e s : A N a t u r a l W o n d e r A hidden gem in Punta Gorda, Blue Heron Pines offers an 18-hole, par 60 executive golf course. With a length of 3180 yards from the back tees and 2362 yards from the forward tees it allows players to get out and play in less time and aggravation than a normal regulation size course. While easy enough to walk you also have the option of a pull cart or a motorized cart. Blue Heron Pines is semi-private, offering both memberships at very reasonable rates and pay-as-you-go daily fees. Its a really great course with a lot of character, Said Matt Licata, Head Professional. It may be a shorter course but you can definitely tell every hole apart. They all have something unique to them and their surroundings. The pro shop at Blue Heron Pines is fully stocked with several brands of apparel and equipment. They also offer a full service snack bar with a varied menu. They have three beers on tap, Several different wines and wine coolers, a soda fountain, and sports drinks. They have hot dogs, popcorn, personal pizzas, sof t pretzels, and several different hot specials ranging from meatball subs to pulled pork sandwiches. Blue Heron Pines sits in the midst of a community by the same name. The community there is very close, throwing community sponsored parties once a month with attendance of several hundred even in the off season. Its a great place to live with people with a wide range of backgrounds and histories. The community center is a 9,000 sq. ft. Building at the heart of the community that houses an exceptiona l arts studio with kilns, billiards, and a large library to name a few. In addition to the golf course, th e community includes other activities such as shuffleboard, horse shoes, and an aqua range that utilizes floater golf balls. Lessons are available at the golf course. Stop by and see them at 29201 S. Jones Loop Rd. or call t he pro shop attel: 941-637-6191 458967 WALKERS WELCOME ANYTIME WALKERS WELCOME ANYTIME 459964 478336 2 7 H o l e s o f O u t s t a n d i n g G o l f C o m e P l a y . . 2 7 H o l e s o f O u t s t a n d i n g G o l f C o m e P l a y . . 27 Holes of Outstandi ng Golf Come Play. ... 478335 50463613 TEE TIMES 888-663-2420 January 2014 18 holes with cart $39 + tax 9 holes with cart $25 + tax Annual Golf Memberships $300 + tax *No other discounts with this special offer 50463508 29201 S. Jones Loop Rd. Punta Gorda, FL Call or Stop by the Shop Today! (941) 637-6191 or (800) 579-6191 2014 Memberships Still Available! Couple: $2640 Single: $1920 Rates are inclusive of membership fees, trail fees, driving range & tax. 50450644 WINTER WEEKEND SPECIALONE FREE ROUND OF GOLFM IckaPGolf ClubMMIIICJ.l e e C7lf`:JJll.7 U1X171JJJ Punta Gorda, Port Charlotte, North Port, Englewood & Venice `WIBll ne Hamm IFIM0302550 S River Road, EnglewoodpezUnh'ocanGOLF CoRSff = Royale d -..r `?

PAGE 27

January 8 14, 2014 E/N/C/V Lets Go! 7 EVENTS THIS WEEK In the mood for a good dinner and a great show? Look no further than Visanis Tribute to Neil Diamond show, starring Keith Allyn, who has entertained audiences for more than 23 years. At the tender age of 14, Allyn began his career in stand-up comedy warming the crowd for such acts as Robin Williams, Chris Rock and Tim Allen. At age 21, he discovered his musical talents performing an Elvis song at karaoke. The crowd went crazy and Allyn was hooked. Soon he became an Elvis Tribute Artist performing and competing as for several years. In 2004, he was voted on by Graceland as being a top 10 Elvis Tribute Artist in the World. Later wanting to impress a girl who loved Neil Diamond, Keith called her on the phone and in his best Neil voice sang her Hello Again from the Jazz Singer. That became her song, she became his wife and he became The Diamond Image. Diana joins Keith in the show to sing You Dont Bring Me Flowers, Neil Diamonds duet with Barbara Streisand and Neils third and nal No. 1 hit. Experience the Feel of Neil in Keiths latest 80-minute, non-stop production that tells the story of Neil Diamonds life through Diamonds own songs from 1960 through today. Singalong to favorites like Cherry Cherry, Cracklin Rosie, America, Solitary Man, Play Me, Love on the Rocks, Song Sung Blue, Sweet Caroline and many more. Visanis A Neil Diamond Tribute starring Keith Allyn is part of a complete dinner and show package. Doors open for dinner and cocktails at 5 p.m., with the show starting at 7:30 p.m. on Tuesday, Jan. 14. Guests will enjoy a complete dinner including beverage and dessert. The ticket price of $42 also includes sales tax and gratuity. For more information, visit the website www. visani.net or call 941-629-9191. Visani Restaurant is located at 2400 Kings Highway, Port Charlotte.Visani presents A Neil Diamond Tribute Show by Keith AllynSPECIAL TO THE SUN PHOTO PROVIDEDVisanis A Neil Diamond Tribute dinner and show starring Keith Allyn is set for Tuesday, Jan. 14. Again from the Jazz Singer. That became her song, she became his wife and he became The Diamond Image. includes sales tax and gratuity. For more information, visit the website www. visani.net or call 941-629-9191. Visani Restaurant is located at 2400 Kings Highway, Port Charlotte. PHOTO PROVIDED Visanis A Neil Diamond Tribute dinner and show starring Keith Allyn is set for Tuesday, Jan. 14. 50463607 WWW.RIVERCITYGRILLPG.COM 131 W. Marion Ave., Punta Gorda (941) 639-9080 Voted Best All Around Restaurant in Charlotte County SPECIAL SUNSET DINNER MENU $ 11.95 Available 5 PM only (Not available on holidays) Valentines Day is Feb. 14th Call today for Reservations. Its never too early. Dinner Served Daily 5 PM Close Serving Lunch Daily 11:30 rf ntttb ttnnb bttbEncores have reigned since the Charlotte Symphony Orchestra began its 2013-2014 season under the direction of Maestro Raffaele Ponti. Two sold-out concerts, seven standing ovations, and wide critical acclaim and the BEST IS YET TO COME. Dont miss this EXHILARATING evening, in which the CSO partners with the Visual Arts Center to blend music and art. Many of the areas most talented artists will display their paintings inspired by the music of Pictures at an Exhibition. Serge Prokoevs Romeo and Juliet: Suite No. 2 Modest Mussorgskys Pictures at an ExhibitionSunday, January 12, 2014 Charlotte Performing Arts Center701 Carmalita Street, Punta Gorda, Florida Concert: 7:30 pmTicket holders are invited to the preconcert lecture at 6:30 pmFor pricing, seating and ticket information, please callor go to 50463076 ckyloffe VO R C H E S T RCharlotte County Floridafill!, r,1

PAGE 28

8 Lets Go! E/N/C/V January 8 14, 2014 MOVIESAs the small, rural town prepares for its annual Christmas Jubilee, new secrets are revealed and old relationships are tested while Madea dishes her own brand of Christmas spirit to all.Black Nativity Runtime: 1 hr. 35 min. | Rated PG for thematic material, language and a menacing situation. Langston (Jacob Latimore), a Baltimore teen raised by a single mother (Jennifer Hudson), travels to New York City to spend the Christmas holiday with estranged relatives, the Rev. Cornell Cobbs (Forest Whitaker) and his wife, Aretha (Angela Bassett). However, Langston soon finds that Cobbs has strict rules, and the youth is unwilling to follow them. Instead, he sets out on a return journey to his mother and finds the value of faith, healing and family along the way.Frozen Runtime not stated. | Rating not stated. In Frozen, fearless optimist Anna (voice of Kristen Bell ) teams up with rugged mountain man Kristoff (voice of Jonathan Groff ) and his loyal reindeer Sven in an epic journey, encountering Everest-like conditions, mystical trolls and a hilarious snowman named Olaf in a race to find Annas sister Elsa (voice of Idina Menzel), whose icy powers have trapped the kingdom of Arendelle in eternal winter. Anna and Kristoff battle the elements in a race to save the kingdom.Homefront Runtime: 1 hr. 40 min. | Rated R for strong violence, pervasive language, drug content and brief sexuality. Hoping to escape his troubled past, former DEA agent Phil Broker (Jason Statham) moves to a seemingly quiet backwater town in the bayou with his daughter. However, he finds anything but quiet there, for the town is riddled with an underbelly of drugs and violence. When sociopathic druglord Gator Bodine (James Franco) puts Broker and his young daughter in harms way, Broker is forced back into action to save her and their new home. Based on a novel by Chuck Logan.Delivery Man Runtime: 1 hr. 45 min. | Rated PG-13 for thematic elements, sexual content, some drug material, brief violence and language. Amiable slacker David Wozniak (Vince Vaughn) drives a delivery truck for his familys company and is content with a life of mediocrity. However, when he learns that he is the biological father of more than 500 offspring and many of them are suing to learn his identity, he decides to hold himself accountable for his actions. He finds some of his progeny and becomes involved in their lives; however, when Davids girlfriend announces her pregnancy, she keeps her expectations low. H unger Games: Catching Fire Runtime: 2 hr. 26 min. | Rated PG-13 for intense sequences of violence and action, some frightening images, thematic elements, a suggestive situation and language. The Hunger Games: Catching Fire begins as Katniss Everdeen has returned home safe after winning the 74th Annual Hunger Games along with fellow tribute Peeta Mellark. Winning means that they must turn around and leave their family and close friends, embarking on a Victors Tour of the districts. Along the way Katniss senses that a rebellion is simmering, but the Capitol is still very much in control as President Snow prepares the 75th Annual Hunger Games (The Quarter Quell) a competition that could change Panem forever.Thor: The Dark World Runtime: 1 hr. 51 min. | Rated PG-13 for some suggestive content and intense Sci-Fi Action/Violence. Marvels Thor: The Dark World continues the big-screen adventures of Thor, the Mighty Avenger, as he battles to save Earth and all the Nine Realms from a shadowy enemy that predates the universe itself. In the aftermath of Marvels Thor and Marvels The Avengers, Thor fights to restore order across the cosmos but an ancient race led by the vengeful Malekith returns to plunge the universe back into darkness. Not all movies will be available in your area, and there are more movies showing at local theaters than those listed. Please check your local theater for listings and showtimes. Information provided by Fandango. Regal Town Center Stadium16 Port Charlotte, 1441 Tamiami Trail, in the Town Center Mall. Phone: 941-623-0111. Frank Theatres Galleria Stadium 12, 2111 S. Tamiami Trail, Venice. Phone: 941-408-9237. AMC Sarasota 12 8201 S. Tamiami Trail, Sara sota, in the Sarasota Square Mall. Phone: 941-922-4900. Regal Cinemas Hollywood Stadium 20 1993 Main St., Sarasota. Phone: 941-365-2000. MOVIESFROM PAGE 5 AP PHOTOThis Paramount Pictures image shows Leonardo DiCaprio as Jordan Belfort in a scene from The Wolf of Wall Street. The Wolf of Wall StreetBy TOM LOVASKOSUN CORRESPONDENTThe fth collaboration of actor Leonard DiCaprio and Director Martin Scorsese, The Wolf of Wall Street is quite clearly a marriage made in well, lets say purgatory. In this lm, you can respect their art while cringing at the same time. DiCaprio is the wolf, a stockbroker named Jordan Belfort who is driven by the power of money and a lifestyle of debauchery in the late 1980s. Early on, his weird mentor (played by Matthew McConaughey) leads Belfort down a path to riches, where he is joined by partner Donnie Azo (Jonah Hill, who was so good in Moneyball). They build a team of deceitful, street-smart thugs who help the brokerage rm grow huge by selling everything from penny stocks to IPOs. Everyone gets lthy rich until FBI Agent Patrick Denham (Kyle Chandler) slowly pieces together a case to nail as many fraudulent bad guys as possible. As Belfort, DiCaprio is a control freak and the consummate salesperson, but not in a good way. His raging character is excessively lustful for wealth, power, drugs, booze, women and pricey toys (a helicopter, yacht, etc.). His stunning wife Naomi (Margot Robbie) is just another acquisition though his boisterous father Max (Rob Reiner) worries about it all crashing down. While Belfort rides his emotional roller coaster, were also aware that partner Donnie is just as crazed, maybe even more. The two go from bad to worse, without a hint of remorse for their actions. Even though Max warns his son that the chickens will come home to roost. The Wolf of Wall Street is packed with characters to hate, though there is no real sense of the other side namely, all those average people who got bilked out of their money. In a lm of nearly three hours, there are a few chuckles of dark comedy and much focus on the hedonistic values of the leader and his wolf pack. Its all about having it all in excess. This movie is a testament to aging lmmaker Scorseses best work, particularly Goodfellas. But The Wolf of Wall Street is certainly not for everyone. says Maybe Go! 463087 54372112 ROTONDA ELKS LODGE #2710 J a n u a r y 1 1 t h K e i t h C o l e m a n D i n n e r S h o w January 11th Kei th Coleman Di nner Show T i c k e t s O n S a l e A t B a r 5 p m 1 1 p m Ti ckets On Sale At Bar 5 pm 11 pm J a n u a r y 1 8 t h L o d g e V i s i t a t i o n B u s T r i p January 18th Lodge Vi si tati on Bus Tri p R e s e r v a t i o n s R e q u i r e d T i c k e t s L i m i t e d Reservati ons Required Ti ckets Li mi ted 303 Rotonda Blvd. East 941-697-2710 Lunch & Dinner Specials Open at 11:00 am FRIDAYS DINNER & DANCE UPCOMING EVENTS SMOKE FREE BUILDING WESTCHESTER GOLDi i ipresents"Putting on the Ritz"An evening of casino-stylegames, dinner, dancing,O auctions & fun!Sat. January 11th6:30-11:00 pmKings Gate Golf Club Ballroom24000 Rampart Blvd., Port Charlotte75 pp/ $600 reserved table of 8Cocktail attire suggestedRoaring 20's attire optionalReserve now atwww.charlottecountyhfh.orgor call 941-639-3162Proceeds benefit local families in need ofsafe, decent, affordable homes9 w: Charlotte CountyHabitatfor Humanity'dMUIMIFY 9 9 Rh o aaNh COD@ln@[M DARMIF ShoW4B[ M95 On SM9@ 1 1o &IF 5 [Pgn 0 9 9 plhnd&uum&rFF 9 ft h Di o dodg@ WOMmUm o uo `1 MMpGcdaBooR@gm6EFc I w(gk Ro LLo it I

PAGE 29

January 8 14, 2014 E/N/C/V Lets Go! 9 In 1984, Craig and Lea Culver, along with Craigs parents George and Ruth, opened the very rst Culvers in the familys hometown of Sauk City, Wis. Since the initial Culver's franchise was opened in 1990, the company has expanded to more than 450 family-owned restaurants across 19 states and it is still growing. The reason for the rapid expansion is simple people love Culver's. Steve Buchmeier, who is the operating partner of the new Port Charlotte franchise, which just opened up on Dec. 9, 2013, says fans of the restaurant seek it out wherever they travel. "Since the rst day Culver's was started in 1984, it has been brought up on the ingredients of fresh, quality food," he said. "When you come in, your food doesn't start cooking until you place your order." Buchmeier describes the theme of the restaurant as "fast, casual," but though you do get your food rather quickly, the quality of the food is not your typical fast-food fare. Two of the signature items of Culver's are their ButterBurgers and their Frozen Custards. "Our ButterBurger is made with fresh beef, which has never been frozen," Buchmeier said. "It's called the 'ButterBurger' because the roll is lightly buttered and toasted. The other staple of our menu would have to be our fresh, frozen custard each day, we have vanilla, chocolate and the 'avor of the day.'" The avor of the day could be anything from Chunky Peanut Butter Dream to Chocolate Caramel Twist, and it is made daily in the restaurant. The possibilities of what it could be each day are practically limitless there are currently 95 avors on the list. In the lobby of the restaurant is a cooler that holds about two dozen dierent avors in pint containers to take home. In addition to the burgers, there are melts and sandwiches, soups and salads, and even dinner items like fried chicken, chop steak, pot roast, buttery shrimp and North Atlantic cod. And what would a Wisconsin-based restaurant chain be without Wisconsin Cheese Curds on the menu? For the uninitiated, Buchmeier explained that cheese curds, a uniquely Wisconsin delicacy, are formed as a by-product of the cheese-making process. "In the cheese-making process, what's left inside the vat is scraped into little balls of white and cheddar cheese," he said. "Then we lightly bread it and fry it." Though Culver's doesn't oer a breakfast menu, they are open from 10:30 a.m. to 10 p.m., seven days a week. Buchmeier said that so far, he has been very pleased with the Port Charlotte community's embracing of some of the best food items the dairy state has to oer. "We've stayed really busy, and it's exceeded our expectations," he said. "We have something for everyone here, and we're much more than just a burger joint." Culver's Port Charlotte is at 385 Kings Highway. For more information, or to see a copy of the menu or "avor of the day," visit the Facebook page or website at www.culvers.com/restaurants/ port-charlotte-, or call 941-627-2600.By DEBBIE FLESSNERSUN CORRESPONDENT Culvers, a Wisconsin-based restaurant chain, opened up its Port Charlotte location on Dec. 9. PHOTOS PROVIDEDCulvers mascot Scoopy took a tour of popular Charlotte County spots prior to the new restaurants opening. At right: Steve Buchmeier is the operating partner of the new Culvers of Port Charlotte. This is just one of many burgers Culvers oers. Visit www.culvers.com for more on their menu. DINING OUT 50463287 OUTSIDE DECK NOWOPEN! VENICES WATERFRONT LANDMARK SINCE1976. TAVERNENTERTAINMENT URS&SAT:DARRELL LAWHORNE FRI:JIMMYHICKERSON TCD,VENICE941.484.9551 www.crowsnest-venice.com marinarestauranttavern 481765 wwwPUNTA GDRDA FLtcluded in tickett `y_w"'\'OI
PAGE 30

10 Lets Go! E/N/C/V January 8 14, 2014 EVENTS THIS WEEKRemember The Platters and all those dreamy, slow-dancing hits of the 1950s and '60s? This amazing vocal group travels widely, performing unique harmonies that include: "Only You," "The Great Pretender," "My Prayer," "Twilight Time," and a host of memorable melodies. The Platters may be based in Branson, Mo., but Southwest Floridians don't have to travel anywhere to enjoy "Golden Oldies," as the World Famous Platters will be performing this Sunday in a special, one-night-only show at the Englewood Elks. Dinner and show starts at 5:30 p.m. and costs $30, or only the show for $20. This event is only one of many that Englewood Elks Lodge #2378 Entertainment Committee co-chairs Don Holmes and Jack Donevan have scheduled for the 2013-14 season. Ever heard of The Fabulous Hubcaps? They are a Doo-Wop, Rock to Pop to Country band that will be coming to town on Saturday, Jan. 25. What began 39 years ago as Harvey Hubcap and the Do Ron Ron, evolved into the Fabulous Hubcaps, one of the most sought after oldies show bands. Dedicated to keeping rock n roll alive and well, this seven-piece group will be performing at the Englewood Elks at 5 p.m. This event, and others are $20 with optional dinner for $10. Great weekly entertainment and special events include: A Country Legends Show starring Keith Coleman in "Tribute to Johnny Cash" on Feb. 1. Down Memory Lane with Patsy Cline" by Lisa Layne takes place on February 22. "British Legends Show" returns on March 1. "A Tribute to George Strait" by award-win ning performers Gordy & Debbie Wensel will present Strait's Country Music on March 15. Brian Gurl will pay tribute to Barry Manilow, Billy Joel, and the Beatles on March 29. "Here's to the Diva's & Dames" will be presented by Cabaret singer and comedienne, Marcy Downey, on April 5. "Motown Rock & Roll Revue" by Johnnie Alston, formerly of "The Drifters," invites everyone to dance the night away on April 19. Weekly regular entertainment includes dining, dancing, trivia night, bingo, holiday parties and special events yet to be announced. All shows and events are open to the public in a smoke-free environment, and gift certicates are available for family and friends who enjoy popular local, regional, and national perform ers. Proceeds benet scholarship programs, drug-awareness programs, veterans services, the Florida Youth Camp, and the Florida Elks Children's Therapy Services. The Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks National Foundation, with nearly a million members, donates millions to charity each year. According to Englewood Elks secretary Judy Abbott, the chapter currently stands at 1,372 members. "Lodge #2378 supports many charities, including the Florida Youth camp," she said. "The Camp never turns away underprivileged or disabled children and is available to all, not just children of Elks." The Englewood Elks Lodge is located at 401 N. Indiana Ave. For ticket reservations, guaranteed seating, and entree selection call 941-474-1404 between 9 a.m. and noon.World famous showsat the Englewood ElksBy CHRIS KOURAPISSUN CORRESPONDENTPHOTOS PROVIDEDThe Platters will create warm and memorable moments at the Englewood Elks on Sunday, Jan. 12. Left to right: Lawrence Lockard, Eddie Stovall, Willie Nash, Yolanda Fletcher and Freddie Doc Holliday. One of the nations most sought after show bands The Hubcaps will perform at the Englewood Elks Lodge on Jan. 25. Left to right: Danny Cook, Dean Andrews, Don Mark, Michael Shipley, Barry Holober, Tommy Dildy and Lorraine Allen. 50460459 Family fun activities all morning long including: ~ 5K Walk, 8K Run, 10 or 20 mile Ride and NEW 8K Longboard Race Kick-off ~ T-shirts for first 300 Registered Participants ~ Pancake Breakfast Served by the Charlotte County Fire / EMS ~ Awards, door prize and the Fabulous Getaway Drawing for (2) Round trip tickets aboard the Key West Express ~ Pre-registration $20.00 per person / $15.00 students Proceeds benefit: Sponsored in part by: Walk, Run, or Ride in the Register online today! www.HandsAcrosstheHarbor.com 6th Annual Saturday, January 25, 2014 481804 Hind s AcromThh FIirbcrQ :.. Punta Gorda c,yet P,.WASTE MANA.OEM ENT t1i1AMERICAN CRAFT ORIM"nuidPU ntd hiSUIIIvdH StreetI IF r January 11th & 12th, 2014Saturday & Sunday 1 Oam-5pmFree AdmissionLocated on Sullivan Street in Punta Gorda, FL.' Take 1-75 to Exit 164 at US-17. Head west on US-17and go approximately one mile to Sullivan Street.For more information call813-962-0388 or 561-746-6615www.ArtFestival.com

PAGE 31

January 8 14, 2014 E/N/C/V Lets Go! 11 EVENTS THIS WEEK PHOTO PROVIDEDCynthia Sayers Hot Jazz Trio will perform at 7:30 p.m. on Saturday, Jan. 11, at the Lemon Bay Playhouse in Englewood. With sold-out concerts in both Englewood and Sarasota in previous years, spectacular banjoist and vocalist Cynthia Sayer returns by popular demand for three area shows this month. Cynthia Sayers Hot Jazz Trio will perform at 7:30 p.m. on Saturday, Jan. 11, at The Lemon Bay Playhouse, 96 W. Dearborn St., Englewood. Advance tickets are $18 and reservations strongly recommended by calling 941-475-6756. Contemporary, edgy and soulful, Sayer breaks all the banjo player stereotypes as she single-handedly brings the four-string banjo to the forefront of jazz. Celebrated as the top fourstring banjoist in the world today and praised for her drive and virtuosity by The New York Times, Cynthia is a founding member of Woody Allens New Orleans Jazz Band with whom she played and toured for over 10 years. Her solo career has taken her well beyond these New Orleans roots as a dynamic performer, instrumentalist and vocalist, and whose eclectic, swing-based shows embody the rarely heard range and versatility of the four-string jazz banjo. Sayer tours worldwide, and has played with many leading jazz, popular and roots artists, including Bucky Pizzarelli, Dick Hyman, Wynton Marsalis, Marvin Hamlisch, John McEuen (Nitty Gritty Dirt Band), Charlie Giordano (Bruce Springsteens E Street Band), Andy Statman, Tony Trischka, and others. She was recently featured in the premiere jazz publication, Downbeat Magazine, and appeared on the popular NPR show Piano Jazz. Sayer also performed on ABC TVs nationally broadcast World News Now, as well as the TV and radio show, Woodsongs Old Time Radio Hour. Her much-anticipated new album, Joyride, is receiving rave reviews. Tickets are now on sale for her three shows in Southwest Florida. Cynthia Sayers Hot Jazz Trio will also perform at 8 p.m. on Saturday, Jan. 18, and at 2 p.m. on Sunday, Jan. 19, at The Glenridge Performing Arts Center, 7333 Scotland Way, Sarasota. Advance tickets for these shows are $20 and reservations are also strongly recommended. To make reservations, call 941-552-5325.Banjo queen swings through for three local concertsSPECIAL TO THE SUN The 6th Annual Sarasota Jewish Food Festival at Temple Sinai will be from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 12. Start with bagels and a schmear and move right into all the traditional comfort foods like brisket, corned beef and cabbage rolls. Or maybe blintzes, knishes or matzoh ball soup would entice you. Experience a blast from the past or experience some new taste treats. A large selection of delectable baked goods will also be available. Admission is free, and this event takes place rain or shine. Visitors may eat-in or carry-out. New this year is a partnership with All Faiths Food Bank and guests are encouraged to bring a canned good or nonperishable donation, as the commu nity has a great need for this and the food bank members work tirelessly to help meet it. This years event is sponsored in part by the Jewish Federation, Right at Home, Furniture Warehouse and Graphic Jam at the Gold level. Silver level supporters are Autumn of Sarasota and Lauren Rudd International. Media partnerships include, SRQ Media and WSRQ talk radio which will be doing an on-site live broadcast. Be the Match, bone marrow registry will have a booth seeking individuals who are willing to have their cheek swabbed. Inspiration for the booth came from mem bers who have a 14-year-old relative with Acute Childhood Leukemia. Ninety-ve percent of the children diagnosed with this disease respond to chemotherapy, but sadly, Ben has not. It is critical that a match be found and he has not matched any of the 10 million people already in the registry. The day includes a Health Fair with displays from numerous health-related companies, as well as a used book sale, and many craft and art vendors. Temple Sinai is located at 4631 S. Lockwood Ridge Road, Sarasota. Fore more information, call 941-924-1802, or visit www.Jewish foodsarasota.com.Annual Sarasota Jewish Food Festival is back at Temple SinaiPROVIDED BY TEMPLE SINAI PHOTO PROVIDEDThe 6th Annual Sarasota Jewish Food Festival at Temple Sinai will be from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 12.PUNTA GORDAC harlotte Symphony Orchestra teams up with arts centerThe Charlotte Symphony Orchestra will perform Mussorgskys Pictures at an Exhibition under the baton of Maestro Raaele Ponti Sunday, Jan. 12, at the Charlotte Performing Arts Center, 701 Carmalita St., Punta Gorda. In an exciting collaboration between the Orchestra and Punta Gordas Visual Arts Center, concertgoers will also have the opportunity to enjoy an exhibition of art work by 10 of the VACs leading artists. The doors to CPAC will open at 6 p.m., with participating artists on hand to talk with audience members before the show and during intermission. A free pre-concert lecture at 6:30 p.m. will also feature some of the artists. Participating artists will also speak at Maestro Pontis Behind the Notes talk at FGCUs Renaissance Academy that will be held from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. on Thursday, Jan. 9. Following the concert, the exhibition will move to the oces of the Charlotte Symphony Orchestra at 6210 Scott St., Punta Gorda. The works will be on display from Jan. 14 to Feb. 18. The artists participating in the exhibition are Barbara Albin, Brenda Berdnik, Joy Carol, Thelma Daida, Liz Hutchinson-Sperry, Sue Krasny, David Petty, Thalia St. Lewis, Roxie Vetter and Beverly Yankwitt. For more information, call 941-205-5996 or visit www.charlottesymphony.com. | UPCOMING EVENT Tuesday, February 4 th Ted Zalewski Ted Zalewski presents his highly acclaimed portrayal of Teddy Roosevelt: Mind, Body and Spirit, which he has brought to audiences in 35 states across America. 50463540 Friends of the Punta Gorda Library present Literary Luncheon Series at the Isles Yacht Club Series Sponsored by: Judi Roth, Business Sponsor: Four Points by Sheraton Doors open: 11 am, Luncheon: 11:45 am, Presentation: 1 pm TICKETS for each event: Members $40 / Non-members $45 To purchase tickets contact: Jerri Marsee, Friends, 424 West Henry St., Punta Gorda 33950. 941-613-9 048 jmarsee@comcast.net Make checks payable to Friends, Punta Gorda Library, with a notation of speaker s name. There are no refunds for these programs. For more information on presenters, check their websi tes. Tuesday, March 18 th Gregg Hurwitz N.Y. Times Best-selling Thriller Author, Comic Book Writer, and Shakespearean expert. There will be a book signing and sale of his books after the event courtesy of rfntbbn r 480553 imilliN 2-FEB 2, 20 OY^

PAGE 32

12 Lets Go! E/N/C/V January 8 14, 2014 12 Lets Go! Dennis and Charlene West with Helene and Stephen Brang at a son and mother lunch at the Old Worlde Restaurant and Lounge in North Port. Bartender Robert Smith with Paula Ruthuen, Dan Ruthuen, Brenda Mason, and Randy Mason who went out for a night of drinks and conversation among friends at Portono Waterfront Dining in Port Charlotte. Gene and Alia Kazimiarovich and Mark Alexander on vacation from Ohio enjoying a day at the beach in Englewood. Oksana Kostov, Alex Korsykov, Evelyn Kostov, and Vitaliy Antoch at the K and K Bakey in North Port.A ROUND TOWN January 8 14, 2014 E/N/C/V Lets Go! 13 Odette and Jennifer Turner enjoying an afternoon bike ride along the beaches in Englewood. Braeden and Nick Hornstein were enjoying a dinner out at Chubbyz Tavern and Grill in Port Charlotte. Mathieu and Erin Galley, Falin Daniel, Sally Whiting, and TJ Thornberry posing for a photo after an evening workout at Crosst Warpath in Punta Gorda. Viveka, Vidya, David, and Kirina Lakhwani sharing a smile at the new Sweetberry Yogurt in Venice which they just recently opened. Fred and Louise Kaylita shopping for fruits at Osprey Produce in North Port. AROUND TOWN SUN PHOTOS BY PETER ARATARI Venice Community Concert SeriesVenice Presbyterian Church 825 The Rialto | Venice, Florida venicecommunityconcerts.com | 941.488.55252013-2014all tickets $15major credit cards acceptedSat | 1.18.14 | 7 pmginny owensA three-time Dove Award winner, Ginny Owens has sold nearly one million albums. A top performer on the Christian radio charts, Owens music has impacted mainstream audiences at Lilith Fair, the Sundance Film Festival and the White House. Born and raised in Jackson, MS, Owens was discovering melodies on the piano almost before she could complete a sentence. Songs began to emerge from her ngers as the vision began to leave her eyes. Despite her physical challenge, songs provide a window into a world Owens cant see and an outlet for her to express her thoughts and dreams. 481677 2400 Kings Hwy Port Charlotte, FL 33980941-629-9191www.visani.netr frffntbCOMEDY ZONE MUSIC EVENTS COMING SOONPASTA NIGHTFRIDAY & SATURDAY ONLY.95plus reg. menuDoors Open for Dinner 3:30pm 9$ Restaurant & Comedy Zone 50458070 Jan. 14th 7:30 Dinner Show Keith Allyn Neil Diamond Tribute Show COMING SOON January 8th 11th The Comic With A Potty Mouth Grandma Lee Jan. 21st 7:30 Dinner Show Mark and Clark Dueling Pianos To The Next Level! 7I4l'::j _

PAGE 33

14 Lets Go! E/N/C/V January 8 14, 2014 UPCOMING EVENTS The Cultural Center of Charlotte County was created to enrich the lives of Charlotte County residents and visitors by oering educational, recreational, and social and tness activities. With an eight-acre campus, featuring a 500+seat theater and a 7,200 square foot conference center, they can accommodate seminars, banquets and gatherings of any size for the local community. But it takes funds for maintain a facility of this size, and the Center relies on volunteers, donations and the support of their neighbors to thrive. One of the primary fundraisers of the year is the annual show presented by Cul-Cen Productions, a compa ny that is made up of a group of dedicated and talented volunteers. This year's show, running at 7 p.m. for three days, Jan. 16-18, is entitled "A Tribute to Broadway II," and musical director Jim Reuter says this production promises to be just as popular as the previous one. "Cul-Cen was started about 30 years ago, as a means to raise funds for the Cultural Center," he said. "Last year, we had three shows and we sold out every concert." The 2014 "Tribute to Broadway" will include numbers from "Fiddler on the Roof," "The Wizard of Oz" and "Grease." Reuter said that because of the age of most of the Cul-Cen performers, some of song lyrics from "Grease," which is about a group of high school friends, have been changed around just a bit. "In our production, this is the 35th reunion of Riddell High School," he said. "We're doing four songs from 'Grease' with dierent dialogue." Throughout the course of the show, there will be about 25 performers involved. Rehearsals for this once-a-year performance began back in June, with twice-a-month meetings. Because some of the performers and musicians are snowbirds, scripts and A Tribute to Broadway returnsBy DEBBIE FLESSNERSUN CORRESPONDENT Some of the cast from the Cul-Cen Productions of A Tribute to Broadway II with musical director Jim Reuter at top center in back row. PHOTOS PROVIDEDThe cast of this years A Tribute to Broadway II production are pictured as followed: front row, Candy Fader, Ava Seusy, Joan Byron, Cheryl Hobbs; middle row, Patty McCarty, Kathy Pappa, Eulala Goodwin, Renaye Graddy, Retha Owen, Lucille Grandsta, Gloria Gal; back row, Ray Byron, John Pappa, Michael Gal and Jimmy Sturgill. Patty McCarty, Eulala Goodwin, John Pappa and Renaye Graddy will appear in Grease.BROADWAY | 17 50462945 Victorian or Western Wear encouraged...or you might find yourself behind bars! Saturday, February 8, 2014 at Kings Gate, Port Charlotte 6PM$65 Per Person For Tickets or More Info, Contact 941.204.4391 or blair.lovejoy@oneblood.org Saddle up and head out West to the 1890s for a night of good ol fun in the gambling hall. WANT D',OUTLAWS AND GAMBLERSWild West Casino NightTicket includes:Opening hand Casino CashPrizesLate night Grub01(1 lashioncd Photo Booth The Murdock Rotary Club Foundation, Inc.Silent Auction 1'rv1 idillg scholarships /or Ch ulottc comm" SaIdentsCash Saloon BarPORT CHARLOTTE 1 17 recavin(ganrbGngtablec are prvnidedlbrenleflainmentpur/xosesHonda Volkswagen `',l I on/j' b Cimino Pvtr;1 ig1ds PP1orida (DaODa1 Inc., tel. !NJ-926-1219. Al/donationsand prcxved 'go to the .1lrrrdcxk Rotan, Club /oundation, Ile.941-743-8883 www.pcautomall.com

16 Lets Go! E/N/C/V January 8 14, 2014 THINGS TO DORemember that Roller Derby show you used to watch on TV in the s? Sorry to break it to you that wasn't real. Much like "professional" wrestling was back in the day, the stunts on that show were all scripted, even though the actors in both shows were undeniably athletes. Today there are still roller derby teams around, but these are genuine. When the "bouts" are held, bones could be broken and blood may be spilled, but if you ask any of the competitors, they will tell you it is all worth it. The North River Rolling Renegades is a Sarasota/ Manatee-based team that competes all around the state of Florida. Jamie Tyler, known on the team as Con EB Good, says that they just completed their rst full season. "We had 10 bouts last season, between February and September," she said. "We have two nights a week practice, and occasionally, we do a trail skate outdoors for endurance. That's why this is a good way to maintain physical tness." Connie "K-Oss" Iachetta says that the basic rules of a roller derby bout are pretty simple there are ve women on each team. "You have four blockers and one jammer per team," she said. "The object of the sport is for the blockers not to let the jammers score. The jammers get a point per skater that they pass, and there are two halves, each lasting 30 minutes." On this level, roller derby skaters do not get paid, so these women do it for the love of the sport. That also means that most of them have actual careers outside of the roller rink. Besides the names of the skaters Trace Evidence, Ima Problem, Evel Diva, Nikki Stric-9 and more one of the most fascinating aspects of this team is the double life that many of them lead. When they're not banging on the track, Rockabilly Red is a dual-enrollment coordinator at State College of Florida and Con EB Good is an attorney. But when they're with the team, they are sisters. I love the girls, Tyler said. I grew up in Pensacola and when I moved here, I didn't really know anyone, and my mom also did this when I was younger. It's great to have this tness outlet. Iachetta is pretty quiet when she's o the track, but once she laces up those skates, it's game on. "For me, it brings out another side of me," she said. "I don't like crowds, but when I'm here, I don't mind it. This is a sisterhood we're all very close." The team supports itself, participating in fundraisers and selling sponsorships. This upcoming season, there will be a fuller schedule and more opportunities to take advantage of those spon sorships, by purchasing ads in their programs and signs on the walls of Stardust. And if you think you may want to try skating for the North River Rolling Renegades, the ladies are holding open tryouts. Believe it or not, you don't even have to know how to skate you just need to be a good team player and have the urge to learn. "When I came here, I could barely walk on skates," Tyler said. "The girls teach you. We work with any new recruit and teach you how to stand when you skate. And if you do fall, how to do it safely." Practices are open to the public and held at the Stardust Skate Center, 2571 12th Street in Sarasota. For more information about the North River Rolling Renegades and how to become a sponsor or a member of the team, visit the website at www. northriverrollingrenegades.com. There is also a new Junior team that is looking for all levels of skaters ages 8 through 17.Roller Derby is more than a showBy DEBBIE FLESSNERSUN CORRESPONDENT upcoming season, and signs on the walls of Stardust. Roller Derby is more than a show The team scrimmages on a recent practice night. Skating practice is not just about moving around the track. There are lots of exercises, too.SUN PHOTOS BY DEBBIE FLESSNERJamie Con EB Good Tyler, Connie K-Oss Iachetta and Allicia Rockabilly Red Gould are members of the North River Rolling Renegades. Winner of the Punta Gorda Chambers Non-profit Business of the Year Award! Peace River Wildlife Center, 3400 W. Marion Ave. Ponce deLeon Park, Punta Gorda, FL 33950 www.PeaceRiverWildlifeCenter.org 941-637-3830 50463082 Come SEE Me! ... at the Peace River Wildlife Center Open every day for TOURS 11 AM PM FREE admission. Donations always welcome! photo by Linda ONeill PRWC, located on Charlotte Harbor in Ponce deLeon Park, is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization dedicated to the rehabilitation of injured, sick, and orphaned Florida native wildlife. 4th Annual Arts & Crafts Show in North Port January, 11 & 12, 2014 Saturday 10 to 5 Sunday10 to 4 at The Shoppes of North Port Corner of Sumter Blvd. & Tamiami Trail Just north of Walmart Various Crafters & Artists are displaying and selling their work. Lions Tigers & Bears Wildlife Sanctuary will have one of their exotic animals there. Come and say "Hi!" 50463322 KETTLE CORN FUNNEL CAKES www.MyPromotions.com Questions? Call Sally Mere 239-707-3467 Free Admission For schedule and directions visit ENGLEWOOD ELKS rfntbnbnr New Members Always Welcome 475657 TIdDQooDwo hJag DO hTceobanmb mw for.YhQ f ebugaang p (2m.jono 9 2A1Th2 Hubm -Dene 25ffhjohnnnu Coah otbani a...(Fcmbe T ea ao..Am-Foe...vU:Wwn-2pnO mm of p owb Drewbq Wedoomdmgps 0 3:3p nWo& mmda ps..AYM l nff t 530pm...ToMo ?pmvuFd& pm...Rob Fvay w/ mupmoodmd mom m W MMwode4ps...Mvddid mmmimd 8wn $o Pdooca.36.5'D!. Ixy1 l0r i, a 4 1'1GrGCENTER-9JE4yaPUNTA GORDAFLORID

PAGE 36

January 8 14, 2014 E/N/C/V Lets Go! 17 AT THE THEATERIf you're a fan of witty dialogue and romantic comedy, you'll want to join Janet and Josh on the Bay Area Rapid Transit (BART), an 80-minute ride from San Francisco's International Airport to their last stop in East Bay. "2 Across," by Jerry Mayer, will be performed from Jan. 10-18 at the Charlotte Players Langdon Playhouse. Mayer, a Playwright and TV script writer ("All in the Family" and "The Facts of Life") writes about real people building relationships while solving life's puzzles. Janet, an uptight, mace-packing psychologist, is less than thrilled when Josh, an unkempt, free-spirited out-of-work actor, boards late and asks her to move from his "lucky seat." He's Jewish; she's Catholic. Both use entirely dierent strategies when solving New York Times crossword puzzles. They're unlikely to be headed for romance or are they? New Zealand-born Artistic Director, Ian Bisset, has worked as a Port Charlotte Players' stage manager, actor, and director for more than 10 years. In 2013 he directed the radio play "It's a Wonderful Life" and acted as Butch in "Leading Ladies." "After reading the rst 10 pages of Across, I fell in love with the play," said Bisset. "I love that it's all about conversation and that both characters are outspoken. One is afraid of making mistakes, while the other is not afraid to take chances. The fact that the action takes place on a train makes perfect sense." Bisset both directs and acts as Josh in "2 Across." Jenni Elliott, who plays Janet, recently relocated to Port Charlotte from Australia. Australians and New Zealanders often disagree, and when Elliott audi tioned for the part of Janet, Bisset, good-naturedly reminded her that she was lucky to get the part. Elliott and Bisset act as antagonists who become possible lovers in the play. A former Director of Marketing in Australia, Elliott is no stranger to the stage. She's acted in community theaters in Australia and was thrilled to discover the nearby Port Charlotte Players, Venice Theater, and Lemon Bay Playhouse. "My husband and I moved to Port Charlotte for the golf," she explained, "and we never expected to find so many community theaters and orchestras here." Elliott's husband, Rick Stannard, recently joined the Venice Concert Band as a trombonist. The Langdon Playhouse is located in the Charlotte Players Community Theater Center, 1182 Market Circle, Port Charlotte. "2 Across, a comedy of crosswords and romance, is playing at 7:30 p.m., Jan. 10-11 and Jan. 16-18, and at 2 p.m. on Sunday, Jan. 12. Adult tickets cost $15. Student tickets are $8. Tickets are available online at www. CharlottePlayers.org or by phone at 941-625-4175, ext. 220. Future plays at the Langdon Playhouse include "Same Time Next Year" by Bernard Slade on Feb. 7-9 and Feb. 13-15; and "Drinking Habits" by Tom Smith on April 3-5 and April 10-12.Crosswords, romance, and a battle of wits in AcrossBy CHRIS KOURAPISSUN CORRESPONDENT PHOTOS BY CHRIS KOURAPISTwo unlikely companions, Janet (Jenni Elliott) and Josh (Ian Bisset) discuss strategies about solving crossword puzzles in Across. The play is being performed starting Friday, Jan. 10, at the Langdon Playhouse in Port Charlotte. It runs through Jan. 18. music were sent to their northern homes so they could practice on their own before they came back to Charlotte County. Videotapes demonstrating the show's choreography were even made and sent to the performers. By the time Fall came around, and everyone was back together again, the frequency of the rehearsals was increased. "I think they (the performers) do an awesome job with it," Reuter said. "It's really a big commitment, and the drummer, and guitar, bass and saxophone players, have to be at practice just as much as the singers." In addition to the three highlighted musicals, the group will also perform songs from "The Music Man," "Carousel," "Camelot," and other much-loved Broadway shows. Reuter says that for the Cul-Cen performers, this production is a way for them to show their love for the Cultural Center, "the place that friendship built." "This is a group of volunteers that comes out here," he said. "They range in age from 14 to somewhere in the 70s, and they enjoy singing and putting on this show to raise money for the Cultural Center." A Tribute to Broadway II takes place at 7 p.m. on Thursday, Jan. 16, Friday, Jan. 17, and Saturday, Jan. 18, at The Charlotte Cultural Center, 2280 Aaron St., Port Charlotte. Advance tckets are $12. For more information, visit www.theculturalcenter.com, or call 941-625-4175.BROADWAYFROM PAGE 14 50458066 Deep Creek Elks # 2763 1133 Capricorn Blvd. Punta Gorda, FL. 33983 Office Phone (941) 764-6925 Lounge Phone (941) 764-6825 Dinner Served Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday & Saturday From 5:00PM-8:00PM; Regular Menus Apply Reservations Requested Entertainment: Karaoke on Tuesday and music and dancing on Wednesday, Friday and Saturday From 6:30PM-9:30PM. Please Call the lounge for all the latest information regarding the entertainment and specials. Please come and enjoy our facility, and if you want to join the best organization in the country we can help you to become a member of the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks of the United States of America. Bingo: Sunday from 1:00pm to 5:00pm Refreshments And Food Available From Menu Open to the public. MEMBERS AND GUESTS ARE ALWAYS WELCOME!! Banquet Hall is available to members and non-members for private parties. Lunch Served Monday Thru Thursday From 11:00AM-2:30PM Saturday is Wings and Hot Dogs from 12:00-2:00PM www.pressellers.com 209 W Olympia, Punta Gorda 33950 KICK BACK RELAX HAPPY HOUR Daily 2-6 PM 2 for 1 Wine & Beer OUTDOOR PATIO Seating with Live Entertainment (call for details) 50463619 941-639-2091 Open 11:30 until 9pm Monday thru Saturday Order Single Tickets Online at: thevenicesymphony.org Season Tickets and Group Reservations, Call: (941)207-8822Performance venue: 1535 E Venice Ave, Venice FL Tickets Start at$ 20 Kenneth Bowermeister, Conductor The Venice Performing Arts Center is under construction on Bahama Street, Venice Island Opening Fall 2014! Pops ConcertDick Hyman, Guest SoloistJanuary 16 & 177:30PM January 18, 20143:30PM SOLD OUT & 7:30PMTribute to the Gershwins Robert Aitken, Flute Solo February 14, 20147:30PM February 15, 20143:30PM & 7:30PM Ann Hobson-Pilot, Harp SoloMarch 14, 20147:30PM March 15, 20143:30PM & 7:30PMYoung-Ah Tak, Piano SoloApril 11, 20147:30PM April 12, 20143:30PM & 7:30PMPops ConcertApril 25, 20147:30PM April 26, 20143:30PM & 7:30PMThe story of America told by music 481315 4eoop7J-J r rn'aafnfOll V 1/'I tFind us anFacebook,

PAGE 37

18 Lets Go! E/N/C/V January 8 14, 2014 LIVE MUSIC Artist Concert Series opens in SarasotaThe Jim Wellen Quintet, with special guest Chris Brown, salutes the music of legendary jazz singer Lee Wiley with a concert from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 9, at the Venice Art Center, 390 Nokomis Ave., Venice. Presented by the South County Jazz Club, admission to the concert is $5 for members and $10 for non-members. Tenor sax player Wellen and vocalist Brown will be accompanied by Dick Reynolds on piano, Dave Trefethen, bass, and Johnny Moore, drums. One of the great jazz vocalists of all time, Lee Wiley performed through the s, s and s. She did prodigious recordings of standards by George Gershwin, Cole Porter, Rogers & Hart and others. She interpreted them in her uniquely intimate way, invariably backed by small combos of rst-rate musicians, such as Bud Freeman, Fats Waller, Billy Buttereld and her two RCA albums, West of the Moon (1956) and A Touch of Blues (1957), are standouts. Lee Wiley eectively stepped out of the limelight in the 1960s, except for a brief appearance at the 1972 New York Jazz Festival. She merited greater fame than was accorded her in her lifetime and since.Concert salutes music of legendary jazz singer Lee WileyPROVIDED BY THE SOUTH COUNTY JAZZ CLUB PHOTO PROVIDEDThe Jim Wellen Quintet, with special guest Chris Brown, salutes the music of legendary jazz singer Lee Wiley with a concert from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 9, at the Venice Art Center, 390 Nokomis Ave., Venice. PHOTO PROVIDED BY THE ARTIST CONCERT SERIES OF SARASOTAPianist Joyce Yang will perform at the Historic Asolo Theater this month as part of the Artist Concert Series of Sarasota.Sarasota may have more theaters per capita than New York City, but it also ranks high as a music mecca and not just of opera and jazz. Violinist Augustin Hadelich and pianist Joyce Yang open the Artist Concert Series Saturday and Sunday with Zing Went the Strings on stage in the Historic Asolo Theater at The Ringling, 5401 Bay Shore Road, Sarasota. According to a series release, Yang, 27, came to international attention in 2005 when she won the silver medal at the 12th Van Cliburn International Piano Competition where she was the youngest contestant. Hadelich debuted last season with the Boston Symphony at Tanglewood and with the New York Philharmonic at Lincoln Center, among other orchestras of similar renown, In 2006 he won the gold medal at the International Violin Competition of Indianapolis. They will perform works by Schumann, Rachmanino, Ysaye, Janacek and Previn. Both concerts will begin at 7:30 p.m. Tickets are $25-$45 per person. Established in 1996, the concert series runs through June. There are six classical concerts including the Zing concert mentioned, four in the Pops series and two others, considered Special concerts, plus three Lunch, Look and Listen concerts. Special events include The Dave Bennett Quartet performing popular favorites such as Moonglow, Stompin at the Savoy, and Just a Closer Walk with Thee, at 2 and 7:30 p.m. Jan. 26 at the Beatrice Friedman Symphony Center, 709 North Tamiami Trail. Sarasota. Mary Wilson, soprano, and Jason Ferrante, tenor, with Lee Dougherty Ross, piano, performing classical songs, popular operatic excerpts, selections from Broadway and more at 7:30 p.m., Feb. 16, at the Beatrice Friedman Symphony Center. The classical series continues with Great Music versus Superbowl with the Ritz Chamber Players performing works by Hailstork, Piazzolla and Williams at 7:30 p.m., Feb. 1 and 2. More concerts follow through May. For more information or for tickets, call 941-360-7399 or visit ArtistSeriesConcerts. org. For information about Artist Series Concerts of Sarasotas 20132014 season, call 941-306-1202 or visit the website.By KIM COOLFEATURES EDITOR 50463086 Want to Play Around? Join us January 11, 2014 at SUNYBREEZE GOLF COURSE for The Laird s Golf Challenge www.YourSun.com CAPTAIN ADDRESS PHONE E-MAIL ADDRESS PLAYER TWO PLAYER THREE PLAYER FOUR 18 Holes Scottish Scramble Shot Gun BRING CASH FOR OTHER GAMES! Sponsored by: The Punta Gorda Chamber of Commerce with our very own Scottish Laddie, John Wright Kilts Optional Entry Fee $50 Teams of 4 $180 *If paid by 12/31/13 Includes Breakfast & Lunch Registration, Continental Breakfast: 7:30 am Shot Gun: 8:30 am DEADLINE FOR ENTRY: JANUARY, 7, 2014 Questions? Please Contact Punta Gorda Chamber of Commerce at 941-639-3720 Please complete this form and make checks payable to: Punta Gorda Chamber of Commerce, 252 W Marion Ave., Punta Gorda 33950 or pay online at www.PuntaGordaChamber.com 50463624 Wednesday, January 8 Vince Brown from 5 PM Thursday, January 9 Cape Cod Smitty from 6 PM Serving Breakfast 7 AM AM Lunch Fri.Sun. at 11 AM Dinner 5 PM PM Punta Gorda Harborside 33 Tamiami Trail Punta Gorda 941.637.6770 ENTERTAINMENT Friday, January 10 Tropical Avenue from 6 PM Saturday, January 11 Kollections from 6 PM r rVIAs4SUN NE -,SAmerica's BEST Community Dailyrllocated atRNILPOINTSBY SHERATON,` 1

PAGE 38

January 8 14, 2014 E/N/C/V Lets Go! 19 AT THE THEATERVenice Theatres upcoming MainStage comedy is the s French farce Boeing Boeing by Marc Camoletti. The performance features a swinging bachelor named Bernard, who has three ances: one Italian, one German, and one American. All three are beautiful airline hostesses with frequent layovers. He keeps one up, one down and one pending until unexpected schedule changes bring all of the women to Bernards Paris apartment at the same time. His college friend Robert, visiting from Wisconsin, and housekeeper Berthe are charged with helping him avoid disaster. According to the Guinness Book of Records, Boeing Boeing is the most performed French play throughout the world. French and British audiences have loved Boeing Boeing since it was rst produced in 1962. The show ran in London for seven years and 2,000 performances. In Paris, it ran for 19 years. For whatever reason, American theater-goers have taken longer to get the joke. Broadways rst shot at Boeing Boeing didnt take o. In 1965 it closed after only 23 performances. The movie, star ring big-name stars Jerry Lewis and Tony Curtis, was no rst-class hit either. Given 30-plus years and an updated translation by Beverley Cross and Francis Evans, American audiences nally decided to jump on board. The recent Broadway pro duction of this classic bedroom farce won the 2008 Tony Award for Best Revival of a Play. Audiences ocked to see it and The New York Times gave it a stellar review. Critic Ben Brantley raved, (Boeing Boeing) levitates low burlesque into high comedy Its deliciously, deliriously innocent. Murray Chase directs an experienced cast featuring Ronald Krine Myroup in the starring role. Kristofer Geddie plays the best friend. The housekeeper is played by Candace Artim. Bernards ances are played by Alison Prouty (the German one), Arianna DeCecco (the American) and Tarah Hart (the Italian). Boeing Boeing opens Tuesday, Jan. 14, and runs through Sunday, Feb. 2. Performances are at 8 p.m. Tuesdays through Saturdays and 2 p.m. on Sundays. Tickets are $25-$28 for adults, $10-$15 for students, and are on sale now at the theatres box oce, online at www.venicestage.com or by phone at 941-488-1115. The Venice Theatre is located at 140 W. Tampa Ave., Venice. Box oce hours are from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday and one hour before all performances.Boeing Boeing takes flight in VenicePROVIDED BY THE VENICE THEATRE Allison Prouty, Arianna DeCecco and Tarah Hart play 1960s airline hostesses from Germany, the United States and Italy respectively, in Venice Theatres production of Boeing Boeing.PHOTOS PROVIDEDThe whole cast is pictured here. Standing: Ronald Krine Myroup as Bernard, Kristofer Geddie as Robert and Candace Artim as Berthe. Seated: Tarah Hart as Gabriella, Arianna DeCecco as Gloria and Alison Prouty as Gretchen. 54372228 1601 Englewood Rd. Englewood, FL 34223 Just $12.95 Includes: Egg Station including Omelets made to order Waffles with assorted Toppings Cheese Blintzes with Seasonal Fruit Compote Carved Ham with Pineapple Sauce 10am 2pm For Reservations 941-475-6464 www.bocaroyale.com Non-Members Welcome BURNTSTOREPRESBYTERIANCHURCH The2014ConcertCommitteeproudlypresents ThreeEvenings ofWonderfulEntertainment January 13 Bay StreetBrassworkswww.baystreetbrassworks.comaninternationallyacclaimedtouring brassensemble February10 PhilDirtandtheDozerswww.phildirt.comAmericaspremierRockandRoldiesReview March 10 John Denver Tribute Show www.jimcurrymusic.comatributetothemusicofabelovedsinger/songwriterSeasonticketsforthethreeconcertsare$50. Singleperformanceticketsare$20(beginning December30,ifavailable)All performances will startat7:30p.m. Doors open at 6:30 p.m.Specialentryforguestswithwheelchairsorwalkers justinformtheparking attendantuponarrival.BURNTSTOREPRESBYTERIANCHURCH11330BurntStoreRoad PuntaGorda,FL33955-1402 phone: 941.639.0001 fax:941.639.1069 bspc83@embarqmail.com www.bspconline.org TheresMusic intheAir 50460188 2013 Wanagiyata (Spirit Land) Best of Show Masters Chris Howard, ArtistAd Designed By: www.hooddesigns.comrfntbr trfntbtntfVisit the cutting edge of carving today... bAdmission: Download your entry forms, nd lodging, directions, and more!www.woodartexpo.comalso see all classes oered before and after the show. Show Features: rff fn t bn nf 50463276 Meet up with friends Drink and nibble Create a painting Step by step instructionWine & Paint PartyNot your typical night out 1200 E. Venice Ave. Jan. 8 2113 S. Tamiami rfn Jan. 14 tb 1350 Beach Rd. nJan. 22 Come join the fun n 50442761 II._ Ja.i srC7rtOOOOOF

PAGE 39

20 Lets Go! E/N/C/V January 8 14, 2014 ROAD TRIPInstallation art is becoming synonymous with the Sarasota Museum of Art/SMOA, a division of Ringling College of Art and Design. Following on the heels of the museums street-side installation of a fantasy castle of twigs by Irish artist Patrick Dougherty, will be a colorful creation by Lisa Hoke inside the historic Sarasota High School on U.S. 41, just south of the intersection of Mound (U.S. 41) and U.S. 301. Area residents were invited to drop o their colorful cereal boxes, cardboard beverage containers, gilded gift boxes, produce boxes and more this fall for Hoke to use in her current installation in the old school building with strange blue window coverings. Except for the windows and the twig castle in its front yard, the high school looks like so many 1920s-era high schools that dotted the country from Pennsylvania and Ohio to Missouri and even in this case Florida. Hoke, who lives in New York City, has become known for her monumental works made entirely from cardboard packaging materials. According to a release from the museum, she has created work for museums such as Mass MoCA in Massachusetts, Rice University Art Gallery in Houston and the Portland Institute of Contemporary Art in Oregon. Her work has been shown in Raleigh, N.C.; San Antonio, Texas; Brattleboro, Vt., and North Adams, Mass. Her work is in the collections of the Whitney Museum of American Art, The Johnson Museum, Cornell Museum, New Orleans Museum and Orlando Museum, among others. The artist generally works in modules about 4 feet square and then joins them together to t the specic space. The old high school is the intended permanent home of SMOA. Wendy G. Sturkis is the museums president. Were thrilled to oer our community another artistic transformation using unusual material to stretch their imaginations thanks to this remarkable artist, Surkis said in the release, adding that last years ARTmuse project with Patrick Dougherty was a triumph. Surkis said the intention of the new museum is to re-purpose the historic high school into a dynamic arts destination for innovative, contemporary visual art. Several area companies including the Ritz-Carlton Sarasota and the Residences, PNC Wealth Management, New Balance and others, donated colorful cardboard for the artistic form of recycling project.Your trash is artists treasureBy KIM COOLFEATURES EDITOR Boxes such as this are transformed by artist Lisa Hoke into large installation pieces such as the one to be displayed at the Sarasota Museum of Art Jan. 15 through Feb. 8.PHOTOS PROVIDED BY THE SARASOTA MUSEUM OF ART A completed installation work made entirely of discarded cardboard and paper packaging materials by Lisa Hoke.TREASURE | 21 481723 Call For A Free Brochure 941-488-9393 All Around Tours C ASINO T RIPS S IGHTSEEING T OURS D INING & E NTERTAINMENT O UTINGS HARD ROCK $ 20 Per Person IMMOKALEE $ 20 Per Person Lic# ST313558 www.AllAroundBus.com Included...Immokalee, Isle of Capri, Coconut Creek, Gulf Stream and one night accommodations with continental breakfast at La Quinta, $20 in free play and $ 11 in food vouchers OVERNIGHT CASINO Jan. 13-14, Feb. 10-11, Mar. 10-11 $ 99 ppdo $ 129 single Pt. Charlotte Punta Gorda North Port Englewood Sarasota Venice & Bradenton! Multiple Bus Casino Pick Ups In: DAY TRIPS tours@allaroundbus.com OVERNIGHT TRIPS (Call for Flyer) Wednesday, Thursday and Sunday Playpass Booklet Is Now Included Jan 22-24 Key West $479 ppdo Jan 27-30 Bi loxi Beau Ri vage $219 ppdo Feb 26 New Orleans $799 ppdo Mar 25 Pensacola $599 ppdo Mar 10-13 Bi loxi Beau Ri vage $219 ppdo Apr 7-13 Branson $1149 1/15 In The Mood $45 1/16 Homosassa Spri ngs $69 1/17 Chihuly $59 1/22 Lakeridge Wi nery $55 1/25 Bi g Cat Habi tat $59 1/31 Barry Mani low $145 Monday, Tuesday, and Saturday B I L O X I B I L O X I BILOXI O n T h e R o a d O n T h e R o a d On The Road A g a i n T o u r s A g a i n T o u r s Again Tours since 1995 Includes 4 days /3 nights and 3 meals at The GOLDEN NUGGET Casino Receive $ 7 0 F r e e Play Escorted Motorcoach Groups Welcome! Local Pick Ups 54372105 M i n i V a c a t i o n G e t A w a y Mini Vacation Get-Away $ 2 1 9 ppdo 1 8 0 0 2 8 4 1 0 1 5 1-800-284-1015 ( 9 4 1 ) 4 7 3 1 4 8 1 (941) 473-1481 Happy New Year! January 12 th & 26 th February 2 nd FL ST#37304 Wir Sprechen DeutschPrices per person plus cruise taxes & fees. Subject to availability. Restrictions apply. Cash/Check Pricing. 1.866.584.1944 r fntfbAllAboardTravel.com 7-Day Caribbean Cruises Lets Go!fr.$499fr.$449fr.$369rffr.$449 9-Day 2014 AAT Anniversary Cruisefr.$799 ntnfbnb nffrf21-Day Best of Spain & The Oasis fr.$2,999ffff f ntbtttr19-Day Pacific Coastal & Western Wondersfr.$2,099 tfntbttrtf25-Day Italian Silhouettefr.$2,269ntbttt fbfbfbft 50451565 rfnrftb ttbnn*Receive up to $500 in savings off your total tour or cruise price when you make a new booking for noted travel partners on day of show or within 2 weeks of attended event. Offer available to event attendees only.Airfare is not included in total trip cost. Savings vary depending on total trip cost per booking.Onepersonintravelingpartymustbea AAA member to receive offer. Offer is combinable with applicable AAA member benets and participating travelpartners.Notcombina blewithanyotherAAAofferorcoupon. Other restrictions may apply. Participating event partners subject to change without notice.The Auto Club Group is not responsible for errors or omissions in the printing of this promotion. Mention promo code: CT14CHAR TR-0130A The 7-day Danube River Cruise (prize) has no cash value and may only be redeemed for the specied cruise booked with AAA Travel Agency and its participating travel partner,Viking River Cruises. One entry per person. Must attend event and be at least 21 years old and a legal U.S. resident to submit an entry and be eligible to win. One entry will win the prize by random drawing on March 5, 2014. No purchase or AAA membership is required to win. A purchase will not improve an individuals chance of winning. Other restrictions may apply. Contact your AAA Travel Consultant for complete details. fb bbrbrb b btb Register to WINtft CRUISE OUR &SHOW 2014 SAVE $500uptowhen you book a qualied vacation with one of our featured travel partners* 50463354 WIN rf nttb rfntbf SA VE$350perperson plus $200 perpersonftbrbtrf tttr TRA VELSHOWS n ntb nbb ttttbt b rfntb Enjoy7DayCruisesWith: 481668 500 Passenger Paddlewheel Sailing from Downtown Fort Myers JCCruises.com 239-334-7474 ASK ABOUT PRIVATE CHARTERS Located Downtown Fort Myers Yacht Basin LAKE OKEECHOBEE CRUISE Monday, Feb,3 rd March 3 rd April 7 th 10:00 PM-5:30 PM Now $ 99.00 WAS $109 SAVE $10 PP + taxes Board 8:30 am sail 9amCruising 65 miles east on the Calm Intracoastal Waterway to Moore Haven pass ing through two sets of Locks, W.P. Franklin Lock and Ortona Lock, enjoy nature, homes, along the banks, and sig htseeing on our open 3 rd deck. Cruise includes narration, lunch, dinner, music, & bus rides, & cash bars. WAS $99, SAVE $10 INTRACOASTAL WATERWAY CRUISE Sunday, Feb,2 nd March 2 nd April 6 th 9:00 AM-6:00 PM Now $ 89.00 Sightseeing Luncheon Cruises FRANKLIN LOCK LUNCHEON CRUISE January 9 th & 16 th 50463345 $ 33 PP + taxes This cruise takes you through the Moore Haven Locks to Clewiston cia Lake Okeechobee waterway. While cruising Lake Okeechobee enjoy lunch, narration, sightseeing on our open 3rd deck, music, & cash bar s. Includes bus rides. GULF OF MEXICO LUNCHEON CRUISE January 17 th $ 33 PP + taxes r o 0 d00$70 I9ir$2,IL1icuJAll Aboard Travel'k14 4%q LASKAkATMAM77777jjjjjbjcrjjjjjjjjEl -.14 7 ... ................... ''` tl !.fit-err{{".., y

PAGE 40

January 8 14, 2014 E/N/C/V Lets Go! 21 EVENTS THIS WEEK PHOTO PROVIDED BY THE SARASOTA MUSEUM OF ART Artist Lisa Hoke with one of her giant installations made from scrap packaging.Were reinventing a historic structure thats central to the experience Sarasotans have of their community, Sturkis said in the release. At the same time, were connecting Sarasota with the larger arts community around the nation. The ARTmuse program attracts world-renowned artists and is helping to put us on the art world map while we are a museum in the making. Its very exciting. The colorful installation will be open for viewing Jan. 15 through Feb. 5 at the museum, which will be the citys rst art museum devoted to modern and contemporary art. Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, the building will oer some 60,000 square feet of exhibition space, a 110-seat auditorium, sculpture court, cafe, classrooms and studios. Of the $22 million needed for the museum conversion, nearly $17 million is in hand, according to a recent release. The Ringling College of Art and Design is one of the countrys leading art schools, oering bachelor degrees in ne arts and a BA in the business of art and design. Hokes installation work oers the public a good opportunity for a glimpse of what will come. For more information, call Sturkis at 941-309-7662 or visit SarasotaMuseumOfArt.org.TREASUREFROM PAGE 20 The 2014 Bruce T. Gora Sunset Concerts kicks o on Sunday, Jan. 12, when The David Mayeld Parade returns to the Alliance for the Arts amphitheater stage. The high energy indie folk rock band has performed with bands like Mumford and Sons and The Avett Brothers. The outdoor concert begins at 5 p.m., gates open at 4 p.m. Guests are encouraged to bring their own coolers, lawn chairs and blankets to enjoy a picnic on the amphitheater lawn. Alliance member pre-sale tickets are $15 and are available now. Tickets are $20 at the gate. The David Mayeld Parades newest album Good Man Down features eclectic, cinematic songs that stir up images of the old West and urban cityscapes. It was produced following a successful Kickstarter campaign that more than doubled the initial goal of $18,000. With a successful crowd funding campaign raising expectations, Mayeld felt it was time to take chances musically and delve into more adventurous production while tapping into his bluegrass roots. Good Man Down features notable guests Seth Avett, Mayelds bluegrass hero Doyle Lawson & Quicksilver, and country star Dierks Bentley who duets with Mayeld on Marty Stuarts Tempted. To purchase tickets, or for more information, call 239-939-2787 or buy online at www.ArtInLee.org. The next Bruce T. Gora concert is Sunday, March 9 when Minnesota-based Davina & the Vagabonds return for their third appearance on the Alliance amphitheater stage. The Alliance for the Arts supports artists and arts organi zations in the area. The galleries are open to the public from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday-Friday and from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Saturdays, located at 10091 McGregor Blvd., Fort Myers. Bring lawn chairs to The David Mayfield Parades outdoor concertPROVIDED BY THE ALLIANCE FOR THE ARTSPHOTO PROVIDEDThe David Mayeld Parade Returns to the Alliance for the Arts on Sunday, Jan. 12. NORTH PORT North Port Concert Band presents Reel Music Hollywood has produced some great film music over the years, and the North Port Concert Band will bring it all to you on the evening of Jan. 22 with Reel Music. Legendary movie music of the past and present will be included in this collage of the silver screens best. The concert begins at 7:30 p.m. at the North Port Performing Arts Center, located on the North Port High School campus at 6400 W. Price Blvd., North Port. Highlights of the concert include North Ports own concert pianist, Gail Klebanoff, performing the Warsaw Concerto from the 1941 film Dangerous Moonlight, and soprano Kimberly Campos singing Somewhere Over The Rainbow from the 1938 classic The Wizard Of Oz. Professional dancers Rachael and Francisco from The Dance Team and Beyond of Sarasota will return to the stage in a swing dance performance to Glenn Millers In The Mood, and It Had To Be You from the 1989 romantic comedy When Harry Met Sally. The band is conducted by Dennis Silkebakken. Tickets are $12 for adults and $5 for students, and may be ordered online at www. northportconcertband.org or by calling the NPPAC box office at 941-426-8479 or toll-free, 866-406-7722, from 10 a.m. and 1 p.m. Monday through Friday. Tickets may also be purchased in person weekdays at the box office, which is located at the Performing Arts Center. | UPCOMING EVENT PHOTO PROVIDEDRachael Uneberg and Francisco Madrigal of the Dance Team and Beyond are part of the Reel Music concert featuring the North Port Concert Band on Jan. 22 at the North Port Performing Arts Center. Home Del i very Avai l abl e We Accept All Major Credit Cards 475677 We Match All Competitors Prices We Take All Coupons 2391 S. McCall Rd. Englewood 941-999-4907 Open Monday thru Saturday 7am -11 pm Sunday 10 am 10 pm FREE Del i very Over $75 Buy 2 Get 1 FREE On Mi ni Li ke Us On Facebook Dri ve Thru Open Unti l 1pm On Weekends NEXT TO END ZONE 10% DISCOUNT 12 or more assorted bottles Bring your military ID and receive 5% on all purchases senior citizens receive 5% di scount on all purchases MUST PRESENT COUPON TO RECEIVE DISCOUNT THREE OLIVE 1.75L $ 29 99 FLEISCHMONS VODKA 1.75L $ 12 99 MALIBU 1.75L $ 17 99 CLAN MCGREGOR 1.75L $ 18 99 RON RICO 1.75L $ 15 99 JOSE CUERVO 1.75L $ 29 99 DEWARS 1.75L $ 29 99 NEW AMSTERDAM 1.75L $ 19 99 JACK DANIELS 1.75L $ 37 99 GREY GOOSE 750mL $ 24 99 ABSOLUT VODKA 1.75L $ 29 99 GLENFIDDIAN CHIVAS 1.75L $ 49 99 KENWOOD MERLOT 750mL $ 12 99 J. LOHR CHARDONAY 750mL $ 14 99 CLINE ZINE 1.75L $ 8 99 $ 29 99 750mL 1.75L $ 65 99 JOSH CHARDONAY $ 12 99 Reg. Reg. Reg. Reg. Reg. Reg. Reg. Reg. Reg. Reg. Reg. Reg. Reg. Reg. Reg. Reg. Reg. GET $7 OFF WITH COUPON GET $1 OFF WITH COUPON GET $5 OFF WITH COUPON GET $3 OFF WITH COUPON GET $2 OFF WITH COUPON GET $3 OFF WITH COUPON GET $3 OFF WITH COUPON GET $3 OFF WITH COUPON GET $3 OFF WITH COUPON GET $5 OFF WITH COUPON GET $5 OFF WITH COUPON GET $1 OFF WITH COUPON GET $5 OFF WITH COUPON GET $2 OFF WITH COUPON GET $2 OFF WITH COUPON GET $4 OFF WITH COUPON GET $10 OFF WITH COUPON Reg. GET $2 OFF WITH COUPON Treasures (Port Charlottes Hidden Jewel) 1900 Tamiami Trail, Unit#118 Beside Donatos Restaurant (941) 468-6210 (941) 456-2318 Treasures 50462940 LIQUOR 6 WINEi

PAGE 41

22 Lets Go! E/N/C/V January 8 14, 2014 LIVE MUSICJoy Welling, lead vocalist for "Joy and the Gang" loves singing, dancing, and above all, interacting with her fans. Her Gang consists of four accomplished musicians and their very supportive wives. "We are like family. Mike Hovencamp, Jerry Kecken, Don Reichert, and Eric Stockley and I love performing and not just for our own egos," she explains with an impish grin. "If you combine all our years of performing, you'll have a pot full. Classic Country, Motown, or rock n roll we do it all." Lead guitarist, Mike, played professionally in NY, NJ, and PA before moving to Florida where he now teaches guitar in the Port Charlotte area. Although his wife, Pat, works full time, she supports all the Gang's functions with her presence. Drummer, Jerry, the owner of Creative Business Ideas in Port Charlotte, studied piano and percussion. He plays a classic Rogers Londoner Drum Set XP-8. His wife, Meredith, cheerfully hosts the Gang's weekly rehearsals in their home. Rhythm guitarist/vocalist, Don, played in garage bands as a youngster before becoming employed in the New Jersey Green Street Recording Studio. He's the clown of the act whose antics keep audiences in stitches. Don's wife, Annette, keeps track of pictures and arti cles in the Gang's scrapbook. Bass guitarist and banjo player, Eric, works for the Port Charlotte Health Department as a specialty con sultant for folks at risk. He played ve-string banjo with the Up the Creek Bluegrass Band before joining the Gang. His wife, Melody, maintains their webpage: www. joyandthegang. com. Joy, a Florida Cracker (native Floridian) has been musical all her life. She sang in choral groups and served as a youth choir director before forming her own bands in Ohio and Florida. The Gang's extensive song list can be viewed on their website, but it's important to note that this active and energetic group sings and plays to their Sing and dance along with Joy and the GangBy CHRIS KOURAPISSUN CORRESPONDENT PHOTO PROVIDEDJoy and the Gang play Classic, Country and Rock Oldies. In the back row are Jerry Kecken, drums, and Eric Stockley, bass guitar and banjo. In the front row are Mike Hovencamp, lead guitar and vocals; Joy Welling, lead vocals; and Don Reichert, rhythm guitar and vocals.GANG | 23 Tom Lovasko lives in Port Charlotte and is originally from Whiting, Ind. He is a retired newspaper advertising manager, a singer/songwriter and music collector. Upbeat focuses on pop and rock music of the 1960s, 1970s and 1980s. Top of Billboard Chart on Jan. 8s1961 Are You Lonesome Tonight? by Elvis Presley 1968 We Can Work It Out by the Beatles s1971 My Sweet Lord by George Harrison 1979 Too Much Heaven by the Bee Gees s1984 Say Say Say by Paul McCartney & Michael Jackson 1989 Every Rose Has Its Thorn by Poison Songs Without WordsYou may know either the title or melody, maybe both, but there have been numerous pop/rock instrumentals. Perhaps it was Duane Eddy and Rebel Rouser, along with Santo and Johnny with Sleepwalk, that paved the way. The Ventures became legendary instrumentalists with tunes such as Walk, Dont Run and Hawaii-Five-O but so did Booker T & the MGs with Green Onions. Best s one-hit wordless wonders include The Tornadoes Telstar, Mason Williams Classical Gas and surng tunes such as Wipeout (Surfaris), Pipeline (Chantays) and Penetration (Pyramids). Herb Alpert & the Tijuana Brass had many group hits such as The Lonely Bull in 1969, and then Herb had solo success with Rise in 1979. The s featured other surprises Hocus Pocus by Focus (which included something resembling yodeling), Mike Oldelds Tubular Bells (The Exorcist lm theme), Pick up the Pieces by the Average White Band, Edgar Winter Groups Frankenstein and TSOP (The Sound of Philadelphia) by MSFB. Even legendary classic rock artists have included instrumental gems on albums: The Beatles Flying, Led Zeppelins Moby Dick, the Allman Brothers Jessica and Sparks by The Who. Cream drummer Ginger Baker was featured on the lengthy Toad while guitars take the lead on Van Halens Eruption, Stevie Ray Vaughns Little Wing and Carlos Santanas Samba Pa Ti. READERS R OCK!Last week, this musical trivia question was asked: Simon & Garfunkels hit 1968 soundtrack to the lm The Graduate included which popular song based on Anne Bancrofts seductive character? Answer: Mrs. Robinson. The rst reader to get it right was Jerry Trojan of Punta Gorda.THIS WEEKS QUESTION: What song is it you want to hear? is the intro to a classic Lynyrd Skynyrd song, played for over 14 minutes on their live 1976 One More From the Road album. What is it?If you think you have the right answer, email it to upbeat@sun-herald.com no later than noon this Friday, and well publish your name as the winner with the correct answer in next weeks issue of Lets Go! Please include your name and city. 54372102 13000 Fishery Rd Placida 941-697-2451 Our View Is Naturally Wonderful And Food Is Even Better Old Florida Waterfront Dining Live Entertainment Buzz Friday 5-8 pm PET FRIENDLY DECK Open 7 Days! John Reno Saturday 58 pm Gerardo Perez Sunday 1-4 pm HAPPY HOUR! Find Us On Facebook! The Fishery Restaurant 2 5pm BEST DECK DINING! Wonderful Water View! BLOODY MARY BAR SUNDAY! Make Your Own New Drink Special Menu! 11:30 am 9:00 pm www.leverockspalmisland.com 372103 7092 Placida Rd. Cape Haze (941) 698-6900 Boaters Welcome Located between marker 7 & 8 on the ICW Boaters Welcome Located between marker 7 & 8 on the ICW WERE OPEN 7 DAYS A WEEK. Monday Sunday 11:30 am 9:00 pm Now Serving Brunch Saturdays & Sundays 11:30am 2:30pm Happy Hour Daily 3:00-6:00 Sunset Menu Daily 2:30-5:30 Award winning ribs, great burgers, Award winning ribs, great burgers, fresh seafood and mouthwatering steaks. fresh seafood and mouthwatering steaks. H a p p y H o u r 3 p m 6 p m Happy Hour 3pm-6pm e v e r y d a y every day E a r l y B i r d s 2 : 3 0 5 : 3 0 Early Birds 2:30-5:30 2 f o r $ 2 0 0 0 2 for $20.00 Island Dining Boaters Welcome. Marker 9A on the Intracoastal. Call for Reservations and Water Taxi 697-0566 Sun.-Thurs. 11:30-9, Fri.-Sat. 11:30-10 www.rumbaypalmisland.com r t'a}4E S T A U R A N TIiUMI$AT-ii.R E S T A U R A N Tom-

PAGE 42

January 8 14, 2014 E/N/C/V Lets Go! 23 LIVE MUSIC They sure are keeping you busy these days. It was just an o-handed comment by me. I mean, take a look at Gregg Allmans schedule. I did that just before a recent phone interview: Hes been touring with Gregg Allman Band all through the fall and winter, which includes a stop in Sarasota for an almost sold-out show at the Sailor Circus Arena this week. Then theres a huge tribute show Friday night at the Fabulous Fox Theater in Atlanta that includes his other group, the Allman Brothers Band. Hes planning to drop in often on the lming of a movie of his life story, currently being shot near his home in Savannah. Plus hes getting ready to record a couple of albums at some point this year, and will take his tour to Australia and New Zealand, before getting the Allman Brothers back for a month-long stand this March in New York. Going over these highlights, all I said was, They sure are keeping you busy. Thats when Gregg took the opportunity to set me straight. These days, when you say they, you mean me, he said, in kind of a low growl that actually sounded kind of bluesy over the phone. A little like John Lee Hooker. At this point in his career, Allman insists on calling the shots. At 65, with nearly 50 years in the business, he gures hes earned it. Thats consistent with the thoughts he put down in his 2012 autobiography, My Cross to Bear, which is the basis for the upcoming movie. The book covers Allmans life, his early bands, the formation and rise of the Allman Brothers Band, the death of his brother Duane, the rock superstardom of the 1970s, his marriage to Cher (and some others), the rough trip through the 1980s, his battles with narcotics and alcohol, the renewed success of the Allman Brothers Band, his complex relationship with one of its founding members Dickey Betts, his children, and the health problems that nearly killed him. Greggs account of it is all there, and taking control of his life is a big part of whats enabled him to keep going. Thats the way everyone wants it at rst, but it doesnt happen that way, he explained. After a while, you get control, thats the way it should be. Now, hes got a good lineup with the Allman Brothers Band, w hich gathers every year for a month of shows in New York, a few other dates and a couple of camp-out festivals, including the popular Wanee Fest in Live Oak. The rest of the year, Gregg plays with his own handpicked band and jams with old friends when the opportunity presents itself. One of those times will come this week, when guys like Jackson Browne, Taj Mahal, Dr. John, Trace Adkins and many others gather at the Fox Theater for a tribute. The Allman Brothers Band will also perform. This is something Gregg didnt plan himself. A bunch of my buds got together and dreamed it up, I guess, Allman said of the show. It should be a good one. He said he wants to do an album of all-original songs this year, and recently wrote a song with saxophonist Mindi Abair for her upcoming album. He talked about getting ready to record another album with producer T-Bone Burnett, the other half of his 2011 hit record Low Country, a collection of blues classics. We were going to do that in December, but I have so damn much on my plate he said. The Gregg Allman Band consists of Scott Sharrard, guitar; Ben Stivers, keyboards; Steve Potts, drums; Jay Collins, horns; Ron Johnson, bass; Marc Quiones, percussion. He loves his home in Savannah, but he was looking forward to coming to Sarasota. I have a lot of good friends there. Its good to get back and play for them, he said. I like to sh theres good shing there, also. That sounds cool. I wouldnt mind go ing out looking for some snook or redsh with Gregg Allman. I guess if Gregg wants to load up his plate, thats what hes going to do. If he wants to go shing, well hes earned that, too. At the time of press, there was a slim chance that last minute tickets will be available. Check for last-minute ticket releases at circussarasota.org or call 941-355-9805. The showtime is 7 p.m. today (Jan. 8) at Sailor Circus Arena, 2075 Bahia Vista St., Sarasota. Tickets range from $35 to $45. Opening acts include Devon Allman Band and the Greg Billings Band.By CHRIS PORTEREXECUTIVE EDITOR almost sold-out show at the Sailor Circus Arena this week. Then theres a huge tribute show Friday night at the Fabulous Fox Theater in Atlanta that includes his other group, the Allman Brothers Band. Hes planning to drop in often on the lming of a movie of his life story, currently being shot near his home in Savannah. Plus hes getting ready to record a couple of albums at some point this year, and will take his tour to Australia and New Zealand, before getting the Allman These days, when you say they, you mean me, he said, in kind of a low growl that actually sounded kind of bluesy over the phone. A little like John L At this point in his career, Allman insists on calling the shots. At 65, with nearly 50 years in the business, he gures hes earned it. Thats consistent with the thoughts he put down in his 2012 autobiography, My Cross to Bear, which is the basis for the upcoming movie. The book covers Allmans life, his early bands, the formation and rise of the Allman Brothers Band, the de his brother Duane, the rock superstardom of the 1970s, his marriage to Cher (and some others), the rough trip through the 1980s, his battles with narcotics and alcohol, the renewed success of the Allman Brothers Band, his complex relationship with one of its founding members Dickey Betts, his children, and the health problems that nearly killed him. Greggs account of it is all there, and taking control of his life is a big part of whats enabled him to keep going. Thats the way everyone wants GREGG ALLMANS YEARAll My Friends: Celebrating the Songs and Voice of Gregg Allman Friday at the Fox Theater, Atlanta, Ga. Jackson Browne, Vince Gill, Widespread Panic See the whole lineup at celebrategreggallman.com. Midnight Rider: The Gregg Allman Story. A feature film based on My Cross to Bear by Greg Allman and Alan Light (William Morrow, 2012), now being shot at Savannah College of Art and Design. Tyson Ritter, singer with the All American Rejects and also an actor, has been cast as young Gregg and Wyatt Russell as Duane. Google their photos and see what you think. Allman Brothers Band at the Beacon Celebrating their 45th anniversary, the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame band will play 10 shows beginning March 7 during their annual residency at the Beacon Theater in New York City. Expect lots of guest stars. The group will also release two live albums and a DVD in 2014, according to Rolling Stone. PHOTO PROVIDEDGregg Allman Band plays tonight at Sailor Circus Arena in Sarasota. immediate audience. "We don't have a signature song," said Joy. "We like to interact with the audience and each other, and no two performances are ever the same." Joy, often labeled a "blonde energizer bunny," encourages audience participation. "I use a cordless mike and sing and dance with fans during a show. During special dance events, contestants compete in twist and conga competitions. People need to get away from their troubles to relax and enjoy themselves, and our music allows them to let the world go away, even if it's just for a little while," she said. Some of the Gang's popular tunes include "Blue Suede Shoes,""Under the Boardwalk," and "Girls Just Want to Have Fun." Upcoming performances for Joy and the Gang are on their website. From 5:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m., Friday, Jan. 10, they'll be at the Moose Lodge in Pine Island. From 7 p.m. to 10 p.m. on Friday, Jan. 17, they will play at the American Legion in Port Charlotte. To book Joy and the Gang for dance, party, dinner, meeting, social gathering or holiday events, call Joy at 941-661-4915.GANGFROM PAGE 22 OPEN HOUSE Sat, January 11th 8-12pm*Photo ID Required for Non-Memberswww.CharlotteCountyYMCA.comMembership Includes: Tennis & Swimming* Child Watch Group Exercise ClassesNorth Port Family YMCA(941) 429-2269 r Special Demos on our Exercise Classes frnFranz Ross Park YMCA(941) 629-9622 including hot tub & steam rooms Special Demos including Spin-N-Glo, Ring Training, TRX & more! Hourly drawings tbrn & Membership! Punta Gorda Club YMCA(941) 505-09992pm Tennis Mental Toughness Seminar rr t pressure! Exhibition following Seminar.*Tennis Lessons & Swim Classes are not included in membership. NO JOINER FEE!Sign up to receive a t-shirt and Register to WIN a Spin Bike! 50462942 the /